Prevalence of overweight and associated factors in southern Brazilian adolescents

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight in adolescents in a southern Brazilian city, and ascertain gender differences and association with socio-economic and demographic conditions, family factors and individual behaviours. Methods Cross-sectional popula...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public health (London) 2008-05, Vol.122 (5), p.509-515
Main Authors: Campagnolo, P.D.B, Vitolo, M.R, Gama, C.M, Stein, A.T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescents
Associated factors
Body Mass Index
Brazil - epidemiology
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diet
Exercise
Family
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Infectious Disease
Internal Medicine
Male
Overweight
Overweight - epidemiology
Prevalence
Sex Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
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Summary:Summary Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight in adolescents in a southern Brazilian city, and ascertain gender differences and association with socio-economic and demographic conditions, family factors and individual behaviours. Methods Cross-sectional population-based study with random cluster sampling of households, including 722 adolescents (10–19 years), from a city in southern Brazil. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the National Center for Health and Statistics reference curve, defining overweight as BMI ⩾85th percentile. Results Prevalence of overweight was 17% in girls and 19% in boys. In multivariate Poisson regression, chronic illness in parent(s) and household of up to four people were associated with overweight in boys, whereas low fibre intake, more hours spent watching television and regular exercise were associated with overweight in girls. Conclusion The prevalence of overweight in Brazilian adolescents is high, with gender differences in associated factors. Health workers in schools and public health services should be aware of these differences in order to improve preventive and therapeutic strategies in this age group.
ISSN:0033-3506
1476-5616
DOI:10.1016/j.puhe.2007.08.002