Study determinants of increased Z-Score of Body Mass Index in preschool-age children

Objective To determine the association between socioeconomic level, gender, stunting and other characteristics with the presence of overweight/obesity in the preschool children. Result BMI/Age Z score > + 2 SD was found in 19.5% of the children. It was more common among the children from areas with high socio-economic level (OR: 2.43; 95% CI 1.54, 3.84, and p < .000). Obesity was higher among the males (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.09, 2.8, and p < .02) compared to females. The increased duration of breast feeding, was significantly associated with increased BMI/Age Z-score (b = .027, p < .004). Decreased age of the child was significantly associated with increased BMI/Age Z-score (b = - .013, p < .004). The children with stunted growth were 6.7 times fold likely to have BMI/Age Z Score > + 2 SD compared to the normal children (OR 6.73; 95% CI 3.79, 10.80, and p < .000), after allowing for other factors. No significant association was found between allergic disorders and BMI/Age Z score > + 2 SD. Thus male gender, high socioeconomic condition, increased duration of breast feeding and stunting were significantly associated with overweight/obesity in preschool children.