Abstract:
The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 was a descriptive cross sectional study, carried
out among the grade five school children in government and private schools in Gampaha
MOH area during September and October 2007. Nine schools were selected by stratifie
cluster sampling technique. Overweight and obese were detected using age and sex specific
body mass index cut off points recommended by International obesity task force. The total
number included in descriptive study was l 110. The prevalence of overweight was 11.34
percent (n 0.01). In univariate analysis, mother's employment ( Or 1.68 ; 95 percent C. I
: 1.05-2.68 ; P 0.03), Less physical activity done at free in home ( or 1.86; 95 percent C.I
1.01-3.42; P,. 0.05). less physical activity assessed with overall activities ( OR 1.77; 95
percent C.I 1.08-2.90): P-=0.02), sleeping more than 8 hours per day (or 0.46 : 95 percent
C.I : 0.290.74 ; P=0.01) showed statistically significant association with overweight. After
adjusting for confounding effects Less physical activity done in weekends was detected as
a risk factor ( or 2.17. 95 percent CI : 1.22-3. 86) for overweight . Sleeping more than 8
hours per day was a protective factor ( or 0-46, 95 percent C.I 0. 29-0.74) for overweight.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in grade five students, studying in schools of
Gampaha MOH area were 11.34 percent and 2.16 percent . Prevalence was higher in
private schools. Less physical activity done at weekends was a risk factor for overweight.
