Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE WEIGHT OF A GROUP OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS

N .Oulachguer, M. Kabiri, A.Barkat3, N. Hafidi4, I. ES-Said5*, H.O. Elmalqi, A. Benomar

ABSTRACT

Monitoring the weight status, gives an idea of the growth in children. Thereby, prevent the development of certain diseases such as obesity, evolving worldwide as an epidemic responsible for increasing morbidity and mortality. This is a global problem that affects the developed countries and also those with low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban areas. Several factors influence weight change in children. The body mass index is a good evaluation of weight gain indicator. The objective of this study is to assess the state thrive in groups of two Moroccan schoolchildren. Methods and subjects: a group of children drawn was evaluated in two primary schools in one urban and one rural. Recruitment has taken into account the representation of both sexes in both schools and parental consent for participation in the study. Nutritional status was evaluated by measuring the weight, height and body mass index or Body Mass Index report. Body mass index was calculated as: weight (kg) / sizes 2 (m). The results are classified according to the OMS charts. Results: 552 students were recruited with 268 boys and 284 girls. The prevalence of weight deficiency is higher in rural areas that urban areas. Conclusion: Children in the treatment group are higher malnutrition rates among students in rural areas than in urban areas. A study of socio economic, nutritional and cognitive factors may help to better understand the differences between students in rural and urban areas.

Keywords: students, rural school, urban school, body mass index, dietary habits, Morocco.