Factors Predicting Obesity Prevention Behaviors Among Overweight Late Primary School Students in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.

Abstract

Purpose: Obesity is a significant global public health issue affecting late primary school students' health and learning processes. This research aimed to predict factors influencing the prevention behaviors of obesity among overweight 9 to 12-year-old students.

Samples and methods: This cross-sectional predictive correlational study involved 216 overweight students in grades 4-6 and used a multi-stage sampling method. Comprehensive questionnaires meticulously collected data on demographics, self-perception, and obesity prevention behaviors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression.

Results: The mean scores for self-perception of food consumption and physical activity were moderate (M = 19.13, S.D. = 5.68; M = 19.53, S.D. = 5.64, respectively). Similarly, obesity prevention behaviors were moderate (M = 42.90, S.D. = 8.48). The study identified factors significantly related to obesity prevention behaviors, including gender, grade point average (GPA), self-perception of food consumption and physical activity, daily allowance from family, and nutrition education (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression confirmed that self-perception of food consumption (OR = 4.29; 95% CI: 1.72-10.73) and physical activity (OR = 2.585; 95% CI: 1.02-6.56), grade point averages (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18-0.82), daily allowance received from family (OR = 0.402; 95% CI: 0.17-0.94), nutrition education (OR = 0.352; 95% CI: 0.15-0.84), and male (OR = 0.113; 95% CI: 0.02-0.56) were significant predictors (p < 0.05), providing valuable insights into the factors influencing obesity prevention behaviors among overweight students.

Conclusion: Male students who have good GPAs, high self-efficacy in food consumption and physical activity, nutrition education, and adequate financial support were more likely to engage in obesity prevention behaviors. Thus, educators and healthcare professionals should focus on enhancing self-perception, providing comprehensive nutrition education, and offering additional support to female students with lower GPAs. These measures will help improve behavior adjustment and support obesity prevention efforts.