Prevalence of Nutritional Status Disorders Among Primary Schoolchildren (6–9 Years Old) and Associated Factors: Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

Objectives . The prevalence of nutritional status disorders among Russian children has been studied in various research. Meanwhile, a lack of standardized regional data obtained at the population level remains, as well as information on the factors associated with such disorders in younger schoolchildren. Objective. The aim of the study is to study the prevalence and risk factors (behavioral, familial, biological) of nutritional status disorders in primary schoolchildren. Methods . The study included children aged 6–9 years who underwent an anthropometric survey in Yekaterinburg schools in 2020. Information on the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of children was gathered by interviewing their parents. To determine nutritional status disorders, a standardized body mass index (SDS BMI) was calculated by the LMS method. Malnutrition was diagnosed at SDS values of BMI < –2.0; overweight — at values from +1.0 to +2.0 SDS; obesity — at values > +2.0 SDS. The factors associated with SDS BMI were analyzed by a General Lineal Model (GLM). Results . The study involved 2,991 children, age of 7.6 ± 0.3 years. Normal nutritional status was diagnosed in 1831 (61.2%) children, malnutrition — in 481 (16.1%) children, overweight — in 430 (14.4%) children, obesity — in 249 (8.3%) children. The sex of the child (for male versus female, = –0.18; p = 0.050), BMI of the mother ( = 0.045; p < 0.001) and BMI of the father ( = 0.046; p < 0.001), height ( = 0.062; p < 0.001) and body weight of the child at the birth ( = 0.0002; p = 0.030) were associated with SDS BMI. These factors explained (R2) 17.7% of the variance of the dependent variable. Conclusion . More than a third of primary schoolchildren had nutritional status disorders, and almost one in ten was obese. Biological, behavioral, and family factors were associated with their BMI. The latter should be considered when designing preventive programs aimed at primary schoolchildren and their family members.