Chutima SirikulchayanontaWasoontara RatanopasParadee TemcharoenSuwat Srisorrachatrชุติมา ศิริกุลชยานนท์ภารดี เต็มเจริญสุวัฒน์ ศรีสรฉัตร์Mahidol University. Faculty of Public Health. Department of Nutrition.2012-03-302017-06-272012-03-302017-06-272011-03-102011BMC Public Health. Vol.11, 2011, 1-8https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/2181This study was supported by a grant from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation No.47-00-0674 and was partially supported for publication by the China Medical Board of New York (CMB), and the Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University. The authors would like to thank all school children and parents for their cooperation in the study. We would also like to thank W. Aekplakorn for invaluable suggestions and T.W. Flegel for assistance with editing the manuscript.Background: Childhood obesity has become an important public health problem in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the relationship between self discipline and obesity in Bangkok school children. Methods: A case control study was conducted. 140 cases (obese children) and 140 controls (normal weight children) were randomly chosen from grades 4-6 students in 4 Bangkok public schools. Questionnaire responses regarding general characteristics and child self-discipline were obtained from children and their parents. Results: Self discipline in eating habits, money management and time management were reported at significantly lower levels among the obese group (p < 0.05). After controlling all other variables, it was revealed that the ranking of factors associated with obesity by adjusted odds ratio (OR) were low self-discipline in managing expenses (3.1), poor home environment (3.0,), moderate self-discipline in time management (2.9), television viewing time ≥2 hours/day (2.6), an obese father (2.2), and an obese mother (1.9). Conclusions: It was recommended that parents and teachers participate in child self-discipline guidance,particularly with regard to eating habits, money management and time management in a supportive environment that both facilitates prevention of obesity and simultaneously develops a child’s personal control.283 kbapplication/pdfengMahidol UniversitySelf disciplineObesitySchool childrenBangkokOpen Access articleResearch ArticleBioMed Central10.1186/1471-2458-11-158