Faculty of Medicine

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

Browse

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Mihajlova, KaterinaSubject: search.filters.subject.childhood obesity

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Loading...
    Thumbnail Image
    Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    consent settings
    Item type:Publication,
    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.
  • Loading...
    Thumbnail Image
    Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    consent settings
    Item type:Publication,
    CHARACTERIZING FOOD, DAIRY, AND BEVERAGE AVAILABILITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PREMISES IN NORTH MACEDONIA - COSI STUDY
    (Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2024-07)
    Mihajlova, Katerina
    ;
    Wallace, Lorraine
    ;
    ;
    Introduction: Childhood obesity remains a global public health challenge. Aim: Using WHO COSI-6th round 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 WHO COSI-6th round 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.
  • Loading...
    Thumbnail Image
    Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    consent settings
    Item type:Publication,
    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
  • Loading...
    Thumbnail Image
    Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    consent settings
    Item type:Publication,
    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.