ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between central obesity and asthma of 7- to 9- year-old pupils, and to make clear the direction of research for the next stage.
MethodsBy cluster sampling, 6 primary schools in Shanghai were randomly selected; the parents of all the Grade One and Grade Two pupils thereof were surveyed, and physical examinations were made for these pupils. Rates were compared using the chi-square test, and the numerous factors for the central obesity and asthma of school-age children were analyzed by using the logistic regression analysis model.
ResultsThe obesity rate of these pupils was 9.40%, the rate of central obesity thereof was 16.41%, and the rate of pupils who had suffered asthma was 4.37%. The body mass index (BMI) was used in the univariate analysis to assess the nutritional status of pupils. The difference in terms of the rate of asthma between the obesity group and the non-obesity group had no statistic significance. However, the assessment based on waist circumferences showed that excess waist circumferences were related to asthma. However, multivariate regression analyses showed that masculinity, aging, little weekend sleep, good appetite, having no preference for foods, big appetite and fast eating were the risk factors for central obesity. In the model, a history of asthma was an risk factor for central obesity.
ConclusionCentral obesity is related to asthma for 7- to 9- year-old pupils. It is necessary to continue the follow-up study for factors influencing obesity, and to probe into the relationship between obesity and asthma, thereby providing more evidences for public health practices.
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