Association of overweight and obesity with decline in academic performance among female high-school students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and future academic performance among high-school students in Saudi Arabia. This was a retrospective cohort study of 257 12th grade female students in Alabna (Ministry of Defence) high schools in Riyadh during 2013/14. Overweight/obesity was based on weight and height at 10th grade. Decline in academic performance was defined as a reduction by > 1 standard deviation in marks between 10th and 12th grades. One hundred and five students were overweight/obese and 30 had declined academic performance. Self-esteem scale was similar in both groups. In a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, study-related lifestyle and self-esteem, overweight/obesity was associated with declining academic performance. Other independent associates included paternal and maternal education, and living outside governmentally provided housing. We report a negative independent association between overweight/obesity and subsequent academic performance among female high-school students in Saudi Arabia. The results highlight the need for community and school programmes to target overweight/obesity among high-school students.
Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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MA
Adaili
Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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AG
Mohamed
Family and Community Medicine Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Alkhashan
D000293:Adolescent; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*