Risk Factor Analysis of Overnutrition among Elementary School Children in Pekanbaru: An Urban-rural Perspective

The prevalence of childhood overnutrition is increasing in many parts of the world, including Indonesia. The 2010 National Basic Health Research study showed that the occurrence of overnutrition in urban children (10.4%) was greater than in rural children (8.1%). This study aimed to analyze risk factors for overnutrition among elementary school children in urban and rural areas in Pekanbaru. This was an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design. This study involved 137 and 113 elementary school students from urban and rural areas, respectively. They were recruited from six elementary schools in Pekanbaru using the quota sampling technique. This study was conducted between April and May 2018. The results showed that the proportions of overweight and obesity in urban Pekanbaru were 16.1% and 16.8%, respectively; in rural areas, the proportions were 12.4% and 9.7%, respectively (p value > 0.05). Furthermore, outdoor activity and snacking habits were significant contributors to childhood overnutrition in urban areas, whereas frequency of main meal was associated with childhood overnutrition in rural areas. In conclusion, there was no difference in the proportion of overnutrition among elementary students between urban and rural areas in Pekanbaru. This study indicated that obesity risk factors may be different between urban and rural areas in Pekanbaru.