Relationship of Eating Habits and Obesity among Children under 5 Years in Primary Health Care Centers at Hilla City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Nutrition during childhood is very important for development and can have long-term health effects. The COVID-19 lockdown has caused major changes to daily life, including for children. The aim of study is to determine eating habits associated with obesity in children under 5 years. Subjects and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 100 children with obesity and 100 healthy participants in primary health care centers at Hilla city. The study used a convenience sampling technique (non-random sampling technique) to choose the children with obesity and control groups via take body anthropometry and direct interviews. The data collection continued for a period of 3 months starting on 2nd January 2022 and ending on 1st April 2022. Results: The results of this study indicate that the children who eat fruits and vegetables once a week are likely at higher risk for obesity by 2.419 times than those who eat daily fruits and vegetables. While children who eat 2-4 times per week of sweets, biscuits, and spaghetti, Junk food (Chips & Nuts) are less at risk for obesity at an odd ratio (0.314, 0.052, and 0.344) times than those who eat it daily respectively. Drinking soft drinks (Cola, Pepsi) once week children are less at risk for obesity than those who drink it daily (B=-3.250-; P. value=0.003; OR= 0.039; 95% C.I 0.005-0.325). Conclusion: The study showed that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables associated with less risk of obesity, in contrast, few consumptions of sweets and soft drinks quietly and fast food and eating before sleep, and when watching TV associated with a lower risk of obesity.