Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Prof. of pediatric nursing, , College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU), Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia 2 Assistant Prof. of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Al-Ahsa ,KSA
2
Assistant Prof. Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt 4Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU),Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Al-Ahsa ,KSA
3
Undergraduate Nursing Student, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Al-Ahsa ,KSA
4
Assistant Prof. of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU),Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Al-Ahsa ,KSA
10.21608/tsnj.2025.434612
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is a worldwide phenomenon causing multiple
morbidities. Globally, there will be 254 million obese children by 2030. Children
are obese due to nutritional imbalances. The dietary patterns among Saudi children
have shifted towards greater intake of sugary drinks and less milk intake. Aim: to
assess the association between milk versus sugar-sweetened beverages, and
childhood obesity in school age children. Subjects and Methods: Descriptive
correlation study. Sample: 589 children selected by a multistage cluster sampling
technique Setting: Eight schools in Al Ahsa Governorate. Tools: Children
demographic information, milk and sweetened beverages consumption
questionnaires developed by the researchers. Children BMI calculated by CDC BMI
Calculator. Results: More than one third of children are overweight and obese. More
than half of them consume sweetened/flavored milk, the majority drinks sweetened
juices and about half of them consume soft drinks. More than one third of children
drink coffee and nearly half drinks tea on daily bases. A significant relationship was
found between children’s BMI and high consumption of coffee and tea. Conclusion:
Children low consumption of healthy milk and overconsumption of sweetened
beverage, coffee and tea lead to obesity. Recommendations: Community outreach
programs promoting health beverage choice, replacing sweetened beverage with
adequate milk conception, can be an effective strategy for maintaining a healthy
BMI in school age children.
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