Correlation of body mass index with family status and feeding conditions among preschool children in Jingzhou City / 中国儿童保健杂志

ABSTRACT

【Objective】 To investigate the distribution of body mass index(BMI) among preschool children in Jingzhou City and its correlation with family conditions and feeding practices, so as to provide scientific basis for the health management of overweight and obesity in children. 【Methods】 In August 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Jingzhou City using stratified cluster random sampling. Data on the height, weight, family conditions and feeding practices of children aged 3 - 6 years attending kindergartens were collected. Then BMI was calculated, and multivariate linear regression analysis was performed for data analysis. 【Results】 A total of 14 237 preschool children were surveyed. The overall average BMI was (16.40±3.40) kg/m2. Among them, the porpotion of children whose BMI were in lower, lower-middle, middle, upper-middle and upper range was 0.05%, 1.95%, 86.49%, 4.83% and 6.67%, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that factors such as cesarean birth(β=0.17), paternal smoking(β=0.13), maternal smoking(β=0.39), being female(β=-0.22), total pre-tax family income(β=-0.13), private kindergartens (β=0.22) and a diet pattern primarily consisting of fried chicken, burgers, fries, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices (β=0.46) were linearly correlated with children′s BMI(P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 Overweight and obesity are prevalent among preschool children in Jingzhou City, with a higher proportion of BMI in the upper-middle and upper ranges. Parents and society should collaborate and take appropriate measures to ensure the healthy growth of children.