Statut pondéral des enfants d’Indre-et-Loire d’après les bilans scolaires de la Protection maternelle et infantile

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the number of overweight or obese children has continued to rise. The national prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, estimated at 34% in children aged two to seven, and its major persistence into adulthood, make it a major public health issue in France. Departmental estimates are still insufficient to guide and evaluate preventive strategies. Based on Maternal and Child Health Services (MCHS) data and input from the stakeholders involved, the aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in Indre-et-Loire, and to identify the actions led by the MCSH and potential avenues for improvement.

Method: Therefore, a retrospective analysis of 4055 health check-ups conducted in 2021-2022 by the MCHS was carried out. Body Mass Index (BMI) thresholds were defined according to the guidelines set by the International Obesity Task Force, according to gender and age. The following variables were discussed in bivariate analysis: gender, mother's socio-professional category, prematurity, diet, sleep, decayed teeth, and the locality where the child attends school. At the same time, five interviews were conducted with MCHS professionals, and qualitatively analyzed.

Results: Our results showed that 12.7% (CI95 [11.6-13.8]) of the children included in the study were overweight, 2.7% of whom were obese. Bivariate analysis didn't show any association. The qualitative analysis highlights a lack of awareness among professionals of the existing regional and local frameworks, a shortage of training and strategies to encourage parental empowerment, and limited investment in the area of prevention.

Conclusions: Epidemiological surveillance of the health data collected should help guide future preventive actions and provide a better understanding of the challenges facing MCHSs.