Social maturity among obese children in Surakarta, Indonesia

Endang Dewi Lestari; Dwi Hidayah; Suci Murti Karini

doi:10.14238/pi46.4.2006.174-8

Endang Dewi Lestari
Dwi Hidayah
Suci Murti Karini

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14238/pi46.4.2006.174-8

Keywords: social maturity, obese children

Abstract

Background Although it is clear that childhood obesity has asso-
ciation with many aspects included social aspect, the social matu-
rity aspect on childhood obesity is scarcely found.
Objective To examine the prevalence of social maturity and the
possible associated factors among obese children.
Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from January to
February 2005. Twenty percent of elementary schools in every sub-
district were randomly selected. All obese children from selected
schools were recruited to the study after obtaining the informed
consent. Criteria of obesity in children was based on BMI eâ€95 th
percentile according to age and sex. Social maturity was measured
using Vineland Social Maturity Scale, which consisted of 8 catego-
ries, i.e., self-help general, self-help eating, self-help dressing, self-
direction, occupation, communication, locomotion, and socializa-
tion. Social maturity score was determined using age group. The
total score was divided into two categories i.e. immature and ma-
ture. Possible associated factors with the social maturity such as
gender, maternal education less than 9 years, being held back a
class, and parental guidance by step mother were analyzed using
SPSS 10.0 for Windows.
Results There were 158 obese children recruited in the study. The
prevalence of social immaturity was 32.5%. The odds ratio (OR)
for parental guidance by single parent or others was 2.32 (95%CI
1.01;5.31); OR for intelligence was 3.93 (95%CI 1.42;10.89); OR
for male was 2.41 (95%CI 1.08;5.38) and OR for maternal educa-
tion less than 9 years was 1.22 (95%CI 0.61;2.41). Multivariate
regression, analysis showed significant association between gen-
der (for male OR=2.44; 95%CI 1.06;5.58) and intelligence
(OR=3.31; 95%CI 1.12;9.84) with social maturity.
Conclusion The prevalence of social maturity in obese children is
high. The factors associated with social maturity among obese chil-
dren are the history of had ever been held back a class and male.
Further investigation is needed to find out the understanding of
specific influence of social maturity in the prevalence of obesity.

Author Biographies

Endang Dewi Lestari

Department of Child Health, Medical School, University of
Sebelas Maret, Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia.

Dwi Hidayah

Department of Child Health, Medical School, University of
Sebelas Maret, Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia.

Suci Murti Karini

Department of Child Health, Medical School, University of
Sebelas Maret, Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia.

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