engleski

Underweight in school-age children from the cities of Podgorica and Osijek

Introduction: Undernourishment can cause a number of health, social, and economic consequences that can be prolonged further in adulthood. The aim was to compare the prevalence of underweight among children and related risk factors in two economically differently developed regions, cities Osijek and Podgorica. Subjects and Methods: Comparative study was conducted on 586 children, 7 years old from Podgorica (213) and Osijek (373). Parents completed the study- specific questionnaire, which was used in both countries with language adaptation. Children were measured for height and weight, and International Obesity Task Force cut-off values were used to assess children's nourishment. Results: Undernourishment is significantly more prevalent in Osijek than in Podgorica, both among boys (4.2% vs. 0.8%, p=0.031) and girls (6.6% vs. 2.1%, p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that children in Osijek have 2.3 times higher probability of being underweight in comparison to children from Podgorica. Girls have 80% higher probability for underweight in comparison to boys. With each unit increase in mother's body mass index the probability for her child to be underweight is 18% lower. Conclusion: Significant risk factors for underweight are region where children live (Osijek), female gender, and lower mother's body mass index.

nourishment; obesity; underweight; school-age child

The results of the bilateral scientific- research project between Croatia and Montenegro for 2015-2016 entitled "COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF POVERTY ON UNDERWEIGHT AND OBESITY, AND DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE HABITS AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THE CITIES OF PODGORICA AND OSIJEK"