Anthropometric Measurements and the Effect of Breakfast Sources in School Achievement, Physical Activity and Dietary Intake for 6-13 Years Old Primary School Children Girls in Makkah City

Abstract

Background: Many studies run in Saudi Arabia to seize obesity and food related diseases, but lack of data on anthropometric status and related health problems in primary school girls in western area promoted further research. Objectives: To determine the patterns of growth status on children, to compare between home and school breakfast with the consumption of macronutrient and minerals, physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out in randomly selected 165 students girls from 3 schools in Makkah in primary schools aged between (6 and 13 years). Their height and weight were measured and weight for age, height for age and body mass index (BMI) for age were calculated. The children's information was obtained by interview and 24hr recall was completed by mothers for accuracy. Frequencies, mean, SD, differences between groups using chi square test and 24hr recall dietary analysis, were measured by SPSS package (Version 16.0). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity, underweight, wasting, and stunting were 29.5%, 20%, 20% and 11% respectively. Lower vitamin B12 intake was associated with stunting. There was association between underweight and stunting. The mean for the macronutrients was high, except for fat mean which was within RDI. Total calories come from carbohydrate 48.9%, Protein 18.5%, and Fat 32.6%. A higher percentage of school breakfast consumers had low physical activity level compared to their counterparts (50.6% vs. 28.8%). Moreover, the former group had lower school achievement level vs. home breakfast consumers (89%vs.57.8%). Conclusion: Preventive measures should be instituted by health authorities to prevent further increase in the prevalence of overweight, wasting, and stunting in school- aged children. It is becoming a priority to establish school and adolescent nutrition and health programmes, with the emphasis on increasing physical education and consumption of healthy diet.