Awareness and association of obesity-risk reduction factors among junior high school students of South India

Background: Obesity epidemic has been on rise and this has been attributed to unhealthy practices including physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. Adolescence has been a critical period for development of obesity due to changes in body composition and behaviour. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding obesity-risk reduction factors and its association with obesity-risk among Junior high school students. Methods: Study conducted among 397 Junior high school students from 12 randomly selected English medium schools from pool of eligible schools in Udupi District using pretested and validated questionnaire to assess their KAP regarding Physical activity and diet. Standardized equipments were used for measuring anthropometry and Total body fat (%). Data entered and analyzed on SPSS 15. Results: 51.4% of the participants were recruited from private funded schools and boys accounting 51.6%. Statistically significant difference in proportions was observed between boys and girls in Physical activity, dietary and overall KAP scores and Total body fat (%). Correlation between Total body fat (%) and overall KAP score showed decline in Total body fat (%) with increase in overall KAP score (r=-0.120; p=0.017). Conclusions: Male gender and public funded schools were protective against obesity-risk. Interventions are required to increase awareness regarding obesity-risk reduction factors among school children.