Correlative Analysis of Obesity and Socio Economic Status of the Selected Adolescents (13-15 Years) in the Schools of Coimbatore (East Zone)

Abstract

Obesity is the main risk factor of most of the underlying non-communicable diseases often rising in developing countries and also it is one of the leading health problems which is more prevalent among childhood and adolescent population due to evolution in lifestyle pattern. The increasing incidence of obesity in both developed and developing countries are due to quick access to things, civilization and fast changeover of dietary practice and modern standard of life that have occurred with change in trends of marketing and increase in financial status that may affect the nutritional significance of children and also adolescent age group. An investigation was carried out to find the correlative analysis between obesity and socio economic status of the adolescent in the schools of Coimbatore. The study was carried out at East zone of Coimbatore. A total of 953 obese adolescents of 13-15 years of age in the schools were selected and the obesity was considered using an updated body mass index reference. A well- defined questionnaire was designed to collect the Socio Economic Status (SES) of the selected obese adolescent in different schools of Coimbatore east zone. A total 953 obese adolescents were surveyed from different schools (Government aided, Corporation, Government and Private school). The proportion of obesity was maximum in private schools compared to other schools participated in the survey. The boys and girls were 467 (49%) and 486 (51%) respectively. It was found that the obesity was more among the upper middle income class 394 (41%) when compared to upper socio economic class (22%), middle/lower middle income class (16%) and lower/ upper lower socio economic class (21%). There is a significant association at 5 % level between obesity and socio economic status such as family type (p<0.05), occupational status of the parents (p<0.05), income level (p<0.05) and monthly expenditure p<0.05). The research concludes that there is remarkable correlation between obesity and socio economic status (SES) among the selected adolescent population from various schools which will have impact on their eating habits and increased access to fast foods.