engleski

PRECONDITION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PROGRAMS AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze difference of health related life style habits using different criteria for classification of nutritional status in schoolchildren, as a precondition of intervention. Background: The risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are high blood pressure, glucose and lipids, increased body mass index (BMI/ kg/m2), tobacco consumptions and positive family history. Important determinants are also eating habits and physical activity. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study comprised 965 children in 8th grade of elementary school. Self administrated questionnaire was completed and anthropometric measures were taken. International (1) and national (2) age and gender specific criteria for BMI were used to determine nutritional status as normal weight, overweight or obese. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Using international criteria 18% boys and 15% girls were overweight or obese. BMI>95th percentile using Croatian national standards had 7% boys and 10% girls. Classification according to different criteria statistically significant didn’t match in 13.54% boys and 4.9% girls (p<0.001). Between children with normal weight and over weighted or obese, statistically significant (p <0.05) difference in number of daily meals, vegetable consumption, sugar use for coffee and tee and chocolate and cookies consumption (in last 7 days) was observed, using both criteria. Statistically significant difference (p >0.05) in physical activity in a form of sport training in club was not observed between boys and girls. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed importance of appropriate criteria for assessment of nutritional status of children, in order to recognize those with objective risk and involve them in CVD preventive programs. References: 1. Cole TJ et al. establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: international survey. BMJ. 2000 ; 320:1240-3. 2. Jureša V, Musil V, Kujundžić Tiljak M. Croatian reference values of BMI for children aged from 6.5 to 18.5 years. Available at: http://www.mef.hr/druga.php?grupa=020331050100

cardiovascular risks; school children; prevention

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