Prevalence and factors favoring overweight and obesity in Algerian child and adolescent; case of the population of Constantine / Algeria

Résumé

Abstract

Background: Our objectives through this paper are multiple: to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children between 5-11 years and in adolescents between 12-17 years; highlight the main causes that influence this phenomenon in children and adolescents under 18 years old; highlight the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in these age groups; and finally, the policies to be applied to stop or curb this phenomenon.

Methods: This is a descriptive, transversal survey which focused on a representative sample of children and adolescents during the month of July 2018. The study population consisted of 1022 children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years, who frequent a municipal swimming pool located in the wilaya of Constantine / Algeria. These children and adolescents were selected by chance for a few days over the four weeks of July 2018. Information concerning the socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits and sedentary behavior for each individual was specified by means of a questionnaire.

 Results: Among the results of this study: overweight affects 14% of children between 5-11 years old, while with moderate obesity, it affects 4% of children in this age category; for adolescents aged 12-17 years, 17% of them are overweight, and 7% have moderate obesity; several factors contribute to gaining extra pounds (gender and age, some hereditary factors, eating habits and physical inactivity).

Conclusion: Identifying the risk factors for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents under 18 years old, would help identify risky habits and behaviors in order to propose appropriate prevention measures. These measures should be included in a health education strategy and a health promotion strategy.