Overweight, obesity and some related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in Tehran, Iran
Payesh2009; 8: 113-122Accepted for publication: 21 August 2006[EPub a head of print-20 Apr. 2009] Objective(s): To compare obesity, overweight and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South areas of Tehran, the capital of Iran, in 2005.Methods: This cross-sectional...
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| Published in: | Payesh Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 113 - 122 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | Persian |
| Published: |
Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research
01-04-2009
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Payesh2009; 8: 113-122Accepted for publication: 21 August 2006[EPub a head of print-20 Apr. 2009] Objective(s): To compare obesity, overweight and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South areas of Tehran, the capital of Iran, in 2005.Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study 210 adolescent girls, aged 14-17 years, from high schools in the North area of Tehran (n=105; high socio-economic level) and the South area (n=105; low socio-economic level) were selected by the two-step, cluster random sampling method. Demographic data, including mothers´ and fathers´ educational levels and parents´ jobs were gathered, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Food intake data were obtained by a one-day 24- hour recall and a one- day food record. Weight and height were measured based on standard methods and Body Mass Index (BMI) were calculated. Overweight + obesity were defined as a BMI 85 th percentile of age - sex specific BMI.Results: The prevalence of overweight +obesity was observed in 15.2 % of the girls in the North area and 26.7 % of the South area, the difference being significant (P= 0.001). Mean of energy, fat and energy derived from fat were 1964 kcal, 72.0 gr and 34.1% in North area and 2288 kcal, 83.1 gr and 34.4% in South area, respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMI of the girls and mothers’ literacy in the North area. Obesity + overweight were significantly correlated with mothers' job among girls in the South area.Conclusion: Evidence suggests that overweight and obesity in Tehran, especially among female adolescents of a low socioeconomic level, is a public health problem. It is suggested to design and implement nutritional intervention programs for adolescent girls, particularly in the low socio- economic areas. |
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| ISSN: | 1680-7626 2008-4536 |