A Study To Evaluate The Risk Factors Of Childhood Obesity And To Determine The Effectiveness Of Video Assisted Teaching On Knowledge Regarding Childhood Obesity Among Obese Children Of Selected Schools At Rourkela

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood obesity among school-aged children is a growing global health concern, marked by excess body fat that begins early in life. It arises when children consume more calories than they expend—a result of unhealthy eating habits, sedentary routines, and environments that promote processed foods and screen-based leisure.The causes include a combination of family behaviours, school influences, genetic predispositions, and broader social and built environments. Despite growing incidence many schools lack consistent programs for monitoring body mass index, promoting nutritious meals, or ensuring adequate physical activity.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study to evaluate the risk factors of childhood obesity and to determine the effectiveness of video assisted teaching on knowledge regarding childhood obesity among obese children of selected schools at Rourkela. A mixed method research design was used a cross-sectional research design was adopted for assessing the obesity through BMI to evaluate the risk factors of obesity. Pre experimental research design was used for assessing the knowledge among school going children about obesity and risk factors.

Results: The findings related to prevalence of obesity 67(18.10%) of subjects were in underweight, 55(14.08%) of subjects were overweight and 17(4.59%) subjects were in obesity. Risk factors of the study shows that 30.8% having family history of obesity, 18.65% of children take medication for a long time, 20.91% of the children are not going to play outdoor game, 54.06% of children do not like to do daily exercise, 35.40% children like to eat outside food, 57.83% watching T.V. or mobile more than 2hours on a day, 53.78% like take junk foods, 38.11% children drink sugar, sweetened beverage daily, 23.52% not having good sleep at night, 21.35% were mentally disturb due to family problem. In relation to association between knowledge score and socio demographic variable there is significant association with no. of children in the family chi- value 19.84, df value 02,p <0.001, type of family chi value 10.24, df value 02, p <0.006, family history of obesity chi value 4.00, df value 01,p<0.0455.In relation to association between knowledge score & socio-demographic variable there is significant association with gender chi value 56, df value 02, p<0.00001, area of residence chi value 30.83,df value 04, p<0.00001, type of food chi value 23.88, df value 04, p<0.00008, family history of obesity chi value 10.60, df value 0.005, p<0.005.

Conclusion: In selected schools of Rourkela, overweight are more prevalent than obesity, and both are significantly linked to multiple risk factors. Additionally, socio-demographic characteristics influence both obesity rates and students’ knowledgelevels.