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Indian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2014

01-09-2014 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Physical Activity Patterns Among School Children in India

Authors: Achal Gulati, Alexander Hochdorn, Haralappa Paramesh, Elizabeth Cherian Paramesh, Daniele Chiffi, Malathi Kumar, Dario Gregori, Ileana Baldi

Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics | Special Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Objective

To assess the prevalence of physical activity and its relation with socio-demographic variables and eating habits among school-aged children in India.

Methods

The study incorporated secondary analysis of anthropometric measurements and questionnaires on lifestyle and dietary habits of 1,680 school children aged between 3 and 11 y, obtained while carrying out the OBEY-AD project. The inventory contained questions about several variables concerning to physical activity, educational background, lifestyles and eating habits for both children and parents. Questions were organized along specific contents, which could be informative topics, picture choices and multiple answers choices.

Results

Prevalence of inactivity was 21 % and exhibited significant variations between cities. Physical activity was significantly associated to socio-economic status and consumption of fruits and vegetables. No association could be revealed with children’s BMI.

Conclusions

Health-promotion interventions aimed at improving healthy lifestyles in Indian children should focus on population strata with low socio-economic status.
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Metadata
Title
Physical Activity Patterns Among School Children in India
Authors
Achal Gulati
Alexander Hochdorn
Haralappa Paramesh
Elizabeth Cherian Paramesh
Daniele Chiffi
Malathi Kumar
Dario Gregori
Ileana Baldi
Publication date
01-09-2014
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Indian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue Special Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0019-5456
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7693
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1472-x

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