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Comparison of the prevalence of body mass disorders in 7-year-old children living in rural and urban areas of Lower Silesia in Poland

Background
Body height and weight are somatic qualities largely determined by genetic factors. These qualities are also modified by the factors of external environment which have a higher impact on body mass rather than height.


Objective
The aim of the research was to identify the prevalence of disorders related to body mass / height ratio in children residing in areas of diverse population numbers. A reconnaissance of cross-environmental diversification of the BMI value was also conducted.


Material and Methods
The sample consisted of 593 healthy children (314 boys; 279 girls) aged 7 from large city (Wrocław), small city (Polkowice) and rural environment (villages in the Lower Silesia) in Poland. Body height and weight were measured using standard procedures and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Children’s BMI categories were defined using IOTF cutoff points. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.


Results
The data analysis showed a general lack of significant cross-environmental and cross-gender differences in mean values of BMI among the studies girls and boys. Prevalence of children with abnormal body mass residing in areas of diverse degree of urbanisation varies from 20% to 28%. Prevalence of underweight in 7-year-old children is intensified particularly in urban environment where it occurs in a degree comparable to overweight (9.4% vs 10.7%).


Conclusions
The observed not significant differences in BMI means in the 7-year-old children, indicate the disappearing of disproportions in basic somatic parameters between children from environments of different urbanisation degree. Underweight is found in 6%-12% children, which is particularly intensified in urban environment where it occurs with prevalence comparable to the phenomenon of overweight. This suggests the need to introduce intervention measures aimed at increasing the consciousness of parents in terms of effects of malnutrition in the contexts of health risks for a developing child.