Faculty of Medicine

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.ukim.mk/handle/20.500.12188/14

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
FAMILY SOCIOECONOMIC DIFFERENCES AMONG CHILDREN LIVING WITH OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN NORTH MACEDONIA
(Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, 2024-12)
;
Wallace, Silver Lorraine
;
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
Dimitrievska, Ljubica
;
Globally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing among children and adolescents. Halting the rise in obesity is a significant challenge because of the complex interplay of factors and influences. We aimed to explore the role of family socioeconomic status (SES) indicators in relation to overweight and obesity prevalence rates among primary school children in North Macedonia. Materials and methods: Data were collected on a nationally representative sample of children and their parent(s)/caregiver(s) participating in the 6th round of World Health Organization (WHO)-European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) in North Macedonia. Every child had their height and weight objectively measured and their family sociodemographic and SES data were obtained through a self-reported record form by their parent(s)/caregiver(s). According to COSI reporting, responses on three SES indicators (parental educational attainment, parental employment status and family-perceived wealth) were categorized in levels for data analysis. Overweight and obesity rates were estimated based on 2007 WHO growth references. Pearson’s χ2-tests, corrected with the Rao-Scott method, were used to test differences in overweight and obesity across various subgroups. Results: The sample consisted of primarily native-born children (97.3%) and parents (mothers - 96.2%; fathers - 97.6%), living in urban areas (66.9%), in two-parent families (84.9%) and spoke Macedonian at home (59.8%). The majority of children lived in families with low to medium SES level. Prevalence of overweight was 30.5% [95% CI: 28.5-32.7], whilst of obesity 14.1% [95% CI: 12.3-16.0]. There were no significant differences observed across family SES indicators in overweight or obesity rates. Conclusion: Our findings contribute towards reporting on family SES among children living with overweight and obesity to better understand and address potential obesity risk factors. Future research should focus on exploring family SES within the long-term context of children’s health-related behaviours.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
DEFINING THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ACROSS NORTH MACEDONIA: COSI STUDY
(Институт за јавно здравје на Република Македонија = Institute of public health of Republic of Macedonia, 2025-06)
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
Wallace, Silver Lorraine
;
;
Encouraging children to engage in physical activity (PA) is crucial for their overall development. The school environment can play a significant role in shaping children‘s PA habits, which in turn can positively impact their overall health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to describe characteristics of the PA environment in primary schools across North Macedonia using data from the World Health Organization’s European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI)—6th round. Materials and Methods: A primary school representative (n=111) responded to questions regarding the PA environment, which included questions about having outdoor and indoor playgrounds and gymnasiums, using of outdoor playgrounds outside of the school hours and during unfavorable weather conditions and organizing PA in and outside of the school hours. Descriptive statistics were conducted to depict the PA environment in primary schools across North Macedonia. Results: Most primary schools had an outdoor playground (94.6%), provided ≥2 hours per week of physical education lessons (89.2%), and had an indoor gymnasium (83.8%). However, smaller primary schools (≤29 pupils) were significantly less likely to have an indoor gymnasium. Approximately half of the primary schools (48.5%) offered organized sport/physical activities ≥1 time per week outside of school hours. Outside of school hours, most primary schools permitted the use of outdoor play areas (77.1%). Conclusion: In conclusion, while the overall PA environments were positive, all Macedonian primary schools did not possess adequate recreational facilities and space for students to be engaged in regular PA. Thus, there is a pressing need for collaborative efforts among schools, local and national authorities to address this issue effectively, aiming to combat childhood obesity and promote increased PA among young students
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Parental perceptions on their child's weight status in North Macedonia
(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2024-07)
;
Wallace, Silver Lorraine
;
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
Introduction: Obesity is a growing crisis, with onset in early childhood. Therefore, understanding the complexity of the family interplay is an important step. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore parental perceptions of their child’s weight among a nationally representative sample of children living in North Macedonia. Materials and Methods: From October to December 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted including children and their parents/caregivers who were living in North Macedonia. The study was a part of the 6thround of the WHO Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Parental perceptions were assessed through record forms and compared in relation to objectively measured weight status using anthropometric standardized procedures. WHO 2007 cut-off definitions on overweight/obesity were used. Wald χ2-tests were usedto explore relations between objectively measured weight status (i.e., body mass index -BMI) and parental perceptions of their child’s weight status. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 a priori. Results: The sample was composed of 2613 school children with equal male to female representation and majority living in urban areas, whilst 31.8% of the children were living with overweight (including obesity). Parents underestimated their child’s weight status, especially regarding children with overweight and obesity. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in North Macedonia to explore parental perceptions of school children’s weight status and compare accuracy with objective measured children’s weight status. Our study further compliments previous evidence of parental underestimation of children living with overweight and obesity, which is a crucial factor in understanding and addressing childhood obesity
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Characterizing food, diary and beverage availability in primary schools premises in North Macedonia COSI-Study
(Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2024-07)
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
Wallace, Silver Lorraine
;
;
Introduction: Childhood obesity remains a global public health challenge. As part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), North Macedonia participates in each data collection round to monitor primary school nutritional environments across the country. School nutrition environment characteristic exploration is necessary for managing and tracking childhood obesity and associated risk factors over time. Aim: Using WHO COSI-6thround data, the aim of this study was to depict availability of select foods, dairy and beverages in a nationally representative sample of primary schools across North Macedonia. Material and methods: Data were drawn from the WHOCOSI-6thround conducted in North Macedonia in 2022. A designated official (n=111) at the respective primary school reported availability of the following: (1) food (fruits, vegetables, ice cream, sweet snacks, and savory snacks), (2) dairy (milk, yogurt, and/or ayran), (3) beverages without added sugar (water, tea, and fruit juices), and (4) beverages with added sugar (non-carbonated fruit juices, carbonated drinks, hot drinks [e.g., cocoa], and flavored milk).Additionally, the designated school official reported whether their primary school had a canteen and/or shop/cafeteria where foods or beverages could be purchased. Results: Across primary schools in North Macedonia, availability of healthy options(i.e., fruits and vegetables)was lower as compared to energy-dense selections (i.e., sweet and savory snacks). Overall, 18.3% of schools offered dairy products (including milk, yogurt, and ayran).Water was the most commonly available (69.0%) beverage. No significant differences emerged in availability of food, dairy, beverages without added sugar or beverages with added sugar across primary school enrollment (small versus large). Less than one-fifth of primary schools had a canteen (17.4%) and/or shop/cafeteria (14.4%) where foods or beverages could be purchased. Conclusion: In conclusion, access to food, dairy, and beverages for primary school children in North Macedonia was limited.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Parental education as a determinant of obesity in children
(2023)
;
;
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the influence of parental education on children’s health-related behaviours and obesity risk status using the data on children aged 7 years and their families living in Macedonia and participating in the 5th round of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. Overall 31.6 % of the children were overweight and 15.3 % living with obesity, with little difference between genders. The results showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among children whose parents had a medium level of education (36.1 %) with a small difference between low (34.3 %) and high level (32.4 %) of parental education. A high level of parental education was associated with “healthy” behaviours in children, who were more likely to eat daily breakfast, fresh fruit and vegetables, had less frequent consummation of soft drinks (less than three times a week), and were more likely to practice sport at least two hours a week compared to children whose parents had a low level of education. However, sedentary behaviour in children measured as at least two hours of screen time daily was more prevalent in children of parents with a high level of education. These findings indicate that parental education should be considered in population-based interventions design, although comprehensive research and approach are needed in evaluating the family environment to better address obesity drivers in children.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
The Influence of a School Environment on Obesity in Children
(MDPI Proceedings, 2024-02)
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
;
Obesity is a complex, multifactorial and widespread condition that affects all age groups of children. The rising prevalence of childhood obesity has become an important public health challenge because it affects the physical and mental health of children and is becoming an economic burden on the health systems. North Macedonia, as part of WHO’s Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), is collecting data to show the importance of the surveillance of obesity in school-aged children and to provide evidence for informed policy making. Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to further investigate the influence of a school environment on obesity in 7-year-old schoolchildren and therefore improve children’s nutrition by targeting the food environment in and around schools. Materials and methods: Anthropometric measurements of body height and body weight were performed, and data from a school environment were collected, following the COSI protocol and data-collecting procedures. Results: The results from the previous rounds show that the overweight (including obesity) prevalence in 7–9-year-old schoolchildren is 31%. While physical education lessons in schools consist of 120 minutes of physical activity per week, only one-third of the schools studied organize sport activities outside school hours, and 39% of schools do not have indoor gyms. Only 31.2% of the schools are free of sugary beverage and calorie-dense food advertisements, but there are nutritional education classes in the curriculum in almost every school. One-third of the schools provide fresh fruit and one-third have vending machines on their premises, enabling children to acquire unhealthy snacks and beverages other than water and fruit juice. Conclusion: By comparing the previous and latest anthropometric data, there is a rising trend of childhood obesity in the country. School environments should be improved towards providing healthier nutrition and physical activity practices for pupils.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Food Habits among Children Living in North Macedonia
(MDPI Proceedings, 2024-02)
;
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
Wallace S. Lorraine
;
Nutritional factors are major drivers of childhood obesity and increased risk of non-communicable diseases in adulthood. Therefore, understanding family food habit patterns and differences are important for public health policy planning. Drawing from a nationally representative sample of children in North Macedonia (MKD), the aim of our study was to explore the association between children’s food-related behaviours and family socioeconomic status (SES). As part of the fifth round of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), a cross-sectional study was conducted with MKD children and their parents/caregivers. Each child’s daily food habits (daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, soft drinks, and breakfast) were assessed and categorised as either healthy or less healthy. Family SES was ascertained by a self-reported level of parental education attainment (low, medium, and high) and family-perceived wealth (low, medium, and high), following the methodology employed in previous WHO COSI studies. A multivariate multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of having a healthy food habit as a function of family SES while controlling for sex and place of residence. Results: The sample was composed of 3221 7-year-old children (boys = 1590 and girls = 1631), with the majority living in urban areas (75.2%). Healthy food habits were as follows: eating breakfast every day (75.4%), eating fresh fruit every day (40.5%), eating fresh vegetables every day (36.2%), and consuming sugar-containing soft drinks <3 days per week (59.2%). Higher family-perceived wealth was predictive of a greater likelihood of eating breakfast (OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.34) and fresh fruits (OR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.07–1.34) every day. Higher parental education was predictive of a greater likelihood of eating breakfast (OR = 1.46; 95%CI = 1.29–1.66) and vegetables (OR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.01–1.24) every day and consuming sugar-containing soft drinks <3 days per week (OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.09–1.35). Our findings show that while most MKD children practice at least one healthy food habit, there are evident dietary disparities among children related to family SES. These SES patterns are valuable information for public health policymakers to consider as they work to reduce health inequalities with targeted public health and economic actions.
Some of the metrics are blocked by your
consent settings
Family socioeconomic code of childhood overweight and obesity in North Macedonia
(Karger Publishers, 2023-09)
;
Mihajlova, Katerina
;
Wallace S. Lorraine
;
Background/Aims: Globally, childhood overweight and obesity rates have steadily increased over the past few decades. Drawing from a nationally representative sample of children in North Macedonia (MKD), the aims of our study were to: (1) estimate rates of childhood overweight and obesity and (2) explore associations between family socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and overweight and obesity rates. Methods: As part of the 5th round of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), a cross-sectional study was conducted with MKD children (aged 6-9 years) and their parents/caregivers. Each child’s anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were objectively assessed, family indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and demographic characteristics were collected through parental/ caregiver completion of a questionnaire. Mirroring methodology employed in previous WHO COSI studies, SES was assessed by self-reported level of parental education attainment (low, medium, and high), parental employment (low and high), and family-perceived wealth (low, medium, and high). Children with missing data on anthropometric measurements and/or SES variables were excluded from our analyses. Childhood overweight and obesity were defined using established WHO 2007 cut-offs. Differences across SES categories were tested using Pearson χ2 test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 a priori. Results: A total of 2498 children were included in the sample (boys: n=1215 and girls: n=1283). Overall prevalence of overweight was 19.3% while obesity was 20.0%. Level of urbanization of the family’s place of residence (p=.002), language spoken at home (p=.002) and parental employment (p<.001) were significant predictors of childhood overweight or obesity. MKD children at greatest risk of overweight or obesity lived in an urban area, spoke Macedonian at home, and had parents with higher levels of employment. Conclusions: To our knowledge, our study is the first to explore overweight and obesity rates in relation to the family environment, among a nationally representative sample of children and their families. Overall, a large proportion of young children are overweight and affected by obesity. Additionally, our findings indicate that the family environment is relevant determinant of childhood obesity and warrants further investigation to develop evidence-based public health interventions in the future.

Faculty of Medicine

Browse

Filters

Settings

Sort By

Results per page

Search Results