[Nutritional status, food consumption and physical activity in female school children of different socioeconomic levels from Santiago, Chile]

(Estado nutricional, consumo de alimentos y actividad física en escolares mujeres de diferente nivel socioeconómico de Santiago de Chile.)

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
A high prevalence of obesity is the main public health problem in Chilean school children.

AIM:
To compare the nutritional status, consumption of selected foods and extracurricular physical activity (PA) habits in school children of different socioeconomic levels as a baseline for developing effective educational interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Cross-sectional study that determined the body mass index, food consumption and physical activity with previously validated instruments in 202 and 358 girls from 3rd to 8th grade in schools of medium-high and low socioeconomic level (SEL) from Santiago, Chile, respectively.

RESULTS:
Compared to their counterparts of low socioeconomic level (SEL), the prevalence of obesity was significantly lower in 8-9 year-old girls of medium high SEL (19% and 9%, respectively, p =0.012) and 12-13 year-old (12% and 2.5% respectively, p =0.008). Also median daily intake of dairy products was higher in girls of medium high SEL (250 and 470 ml/day, respectively). The intake of fruits and vegetables was similar (200 g/d); and the intake of bread was lower (230 and 70 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). Consumption of energy-dense foods was lower in 10-13 year-old girls of medium high SEL (80 and 50 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). 45% of 8-9 year-old girls and 35% of 12-13 year-old girls of both SEL engaged in PA four or more times per week (NS).

CONCLUSIONS:
Although the prevalence of obesity in girls of medium-high SEL was not as high as in those from low SEL, it is still high. There is a need for educational interventions to improve their food and PA habits and to promote an environment that enhances healthy behaviors.

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Author information

Author/s: Olivares C, Sonia (S); Bustos Z, Nelly (N); Lera M, Lydia (L); Zelada, María Eugenia (ME);

Affiliation: Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. solivare(-atsign-)inta.cl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Revista médica de Chile (Rev Med Chil), published in Chile. (Language: spa)

Reference: 2007-Jan; vol 135 (issue 1) : pp 71-8

Dates: Created 2007/03/19; Completed 2008/05/06;

PMID: 17369986, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Age Distribution
Body Mass Index
Child
Chile - epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dairy Products - statistics & numerical data
Diet Records
Female

Food Habits - physiology
Health Promotion
Humans
Motor Activity - physiology
Nutritional Status - physiology
Obesity - epidemiology; prevention & control
Prevalence
Social Class
Students - statistics & numerical data

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