Social maturity among obese children in Surakarta, Indonesia

• Main Authors: Endang Dewi Lestari, Dwi Hidayah, Suci Murti Karini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Indonesian Pediatric Society Publishing House 2016-10-01
• Series: Paediatrica Indonesiana
• Subjects: social maturity; obese children
• Online Access: https://paediatricaindonesiana.org/index.php/paediatrica-indonesiana/article/view/924
• ISSN: 0030-9311; 2338-476X

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 e”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.