O-14 Prevalence of overweight, obesity and associated risk factors in Barbadian primary school children

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Barbadian children 6 to 11 years attending public and private primary school and their parents. Anthropometric measurements were collected from children using standardized protocols. Body mass index–for–age z-scores were calculated using World Health Organization growth reference. Overweight and obesity were defined according to WHO criteria. Waist-to-Height ratio (WHtR) was calculated using a ≥0.5 cut off to indicate abdominal obesity. Information on dietary habits, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, parental knowledge, attitudes and practices, and school food and physical activity environments was obtained via structured questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were performed by age-group and sex.

Results: A total of 667 children were included in the analysis, evenly distributed by sex, with higher proportion of children in the older age group (10–11 years) compared with those aged 6-9 years. Based on BMI-for-age z-scores, an estimated 38.1% (95% CI 32.2, 44.3) of young children and 46.3% (CI 41.4, 51.2) of older children were overweight. Prevalence of obesity was 22.7% (95% CI 17.9, 28.3) and 21.5% (95% CI 17.7, 25.8) in young and older children, respectively. Using a cut-off of ≥0.5, 21.4% (95% CI 16.7, 27.0) of young children and 29.0% (95% CI 24.7, 33.8) of older children met criteria for abdominal obesity. Fewer than 50% of older children achieved recommended levels of physical activity.

Conclusion: Unweighted prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in this sample were high, with substantial abdominal obesity among those classified as overweight. Findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the low response rate and potential for selection bias. We recommend strengthened surveillance and coordinated action to inform, implement and monitor childhood obesity prevention strategies.