Overweight and associated variables in schoolchildren in Itajaí in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

The research objective was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic and demographic variables of health-related behaviors and characteristics of the home environment and the prevalence of overweight among students from 1st to 5th grade in the city of Itajai in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Socioeconomic and demographic variables were identified through a questionnaire administered to parents/guardians. Nutritional status was determined by body mass index and waist circumference. The association between excess weight and other variables was investigated using Pearson's Chi-Square and the Linear Trend test. The population consisted of 417 children, which represented 95.2% of the sample. The data suggest that 44% of children were overweight, which was associated with: a better quality diet (49.4%, p = 0.051), lower frequency of consumption of snack foods, habit of eating meals while watching the television, overweight parents (51%, p = 0,002), the score of family nutrition (51.9%, p = 0.029**) and physical activity in children. It is suggested that health actions must consider the family environment and the social context of children to promote healthier lifestyles.