Survey on overweight and obesity status of primary and secondary school students in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China

Objective To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of overweight among primary and secondary school students in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in 2020, China, and provide a reference for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity among regional students.

Methods A total of 3 082 students were selected by stratified cluster sampling from primary schools (grades 4 to 6), middle schools, and high schools for physical examination and a questionnaire survey. The Chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression were performed for statistical analysis.

Results The rate of overweight and obesity among 3082 students was 24.4%. The rate of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in vocational high school students (49.7%) than that in primary school students (18.9%), junior high school students (23.3%), and ordinary high school students (28.9%); significantly higher in males (33.2%) than in females (15.5%); significantly higher in Tibetan students (26.2%) than in non-Tibetan students (23.0%); and significantly higher in urban students (25.2%) than in suburban students (17.1%; all P < 0.05).The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that time spent on computers ≥ 2 hours per day (odds ratio OR=6.586) was a risk factor for overweight and obesity in vocational high school students; intake of sugary drinks ≥ 1 time per day (OR=4.027) was a risk factor for girls; parents' unrestricted viewing of electronic screens was a risk factor for junior high school students (OR=1.697), boys (OR=1.356), and urban students (OR=1.254); sleeping time ≥ 8 hours per day was a protective factor for vocational high school students (OR=0.416), primary school students (OR=0.568), and non-Tibetan students (OR=0.694); exercise time for 1-2 hours per day was a protective factor for junior high school students (OR=0.621), boys (OR=0.674), and non-Tibetan students (OR: 0.688); and exercise time ≥ 2 hours per day was a protective factor for boys (OR=0.704; all P < 0.05).

Conclusion The rate of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is at a medium level in China. Targeted interventions considering diet, exercise, electronic screen use, and sleeping time should be implemented based on the characteristics of students.