Association of green space and overweight/obesity among primary school children in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

Abstract

The recent increase in childhood overweight/obesity is expected to raise the prevalence of chronic diseases significantly. Increasing trend in childhood overweight/obesity globally does not only link with genetics but more likely to connect with green space and lifestyle factors. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity and its association with green space among primary school children in Kathmandu metropolitan city. A school based cross sectional analytical study was conducted. Probability proportionate sampling (PPS) method was used to select 22 schools and 20 students from each school were selected by using simple random sampling method. Moreover, Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to locate the precise distance of green space and child's home. Parents completed a questionnaire through face to face interview. Out of 440 children, 88 (20%) children were found to be either overweight or obese. After adjusting in full model of multiple logistic regression mode of transportation to go to school (AOR: 2.24 95% CI: 1.21-4.13), sugary snack consumption (AOR: 2.57 95% CI: 1.12-5.91) and salty/savory consumption (AOR: 4.13 95% CI: 1.71-9.96), distance to green area (AOR: 27.46, 95% CI: 6.10-123.54) were found as significant predictor of childhood overweight/obesity. Hence, the study provides sufficient evidence on the relationship between green space and childhood overweight/obesity. Moreover, a greater emphasis must be placed on formulation and implementation of policies aimed at addressing the emerging problems of childhood overweight/obesity in Nepal