EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY RATES IN URBAN VS. RURAL COMMUNITIES: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health challenge. Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in influencing obesity rates, with distinct variations observed between urban and rural communities. Objective: To investigate the influence of socioeconomic factors on childhood obesity rates in urban versus rural communities using an observational approach. Material and Methods: The study sampled 100 children aged 5-15 years, equally divided between urban and rural areas. Childhood obesity prevalence was determined through BMI classification. Data on socioeconomic status (SES), parental education levels, access to nutritional food, and physical activity levels were collected through questionnaires and surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to identify correlations between these factors and obesity prevalence. Results: Obesity Prevalence: Urban children had a higher obesity prevalence (36%) than rural children (28%). Socioeconomic Status: In urban communities, children from lower SES households had a 40% obesity rate compared to 32% in higher SES households. In rural communities, these rates were 36% (lower SES) and 20% (higher SES). Parental Education Levels: Urban children with parents having a high school education or less had a 45% obesity prevalence versus 20% for those with college-educated parents. In rural communities, these rates were 32% and 25%, respectively. Nutritional Food Access: Urban children with limited access to nutritional food had a 40% obesity prevalence compared to 24% for those with good access. Physical Activity Levels: Urban children with less than 60 minutes of daily activity had a 48% obesity prevalence versus 28% for those exceeding 60 minutes. Rural communities showed similar trends. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic factors on childhood obesity rates. Tailored interventions addressing SES disparities, education, food access, and physical activity are crucial for managing obesity in urban and rural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]