Analysis of factors associated with overweight and obesity among preschool children based on a decision tree model
10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2026237
- VernacularTitle:基于决策树模型的学龄前儿童超重肥胖相关因素分析
- Author:
YAO Tong, XIE Jinting, SHAO Jihong, HAN Yan
1
Author Information
1. School of Public Health,Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Decision trees；Overweight；Obesity；Regression analysis；Child,preschool
- From:
Chinese Journal of School Health
2026;47(8):1174-1179
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the epidemiological characteristics and related factors of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Xuzhou City, so as to provide scientific basis for the formulation of corresponding prevention and control strategies.
Methods:From October to November 2021, a random cluster sampling method was adopted to select 2 082 preschool children aged 3-7 years from 6 kindergartens in Xuzhou City and their parents for a questionnaire survey. Multivariate Logistic regression and decision tree model were used to analyze the related factors of overweight and obesity among preschool children.
Results:The detection rates of overweight and obesity among preschool children were 19.8% and 12.4%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that preschool children with overweight fathers ( OR=1.40, 95%CI =1.01-1.96), obese fathers ( OR= 2.32 , 95%CI =1.56-3.45), mothers with insufficient gestational weight gain ( OR=2.11, 95%CI =1.24-3.59), cesarean section ( OR=1.42, 95%CI =1.06-1.92), artificial feeding within the first 6 months of life ( OR=2.33, 95%CI =1.35-4.04), and daily screen time ≥1 h ( OR=1.54, 95%CI =1.14-2.08) had higher risks of obesity; children born to pre pregnancy underweight mothers had a lower risk of obesity ( OR=0.23, 95%CI =0.12-0.44); preschool children with obese fathers ( OR=1.66, 95%CI = 1.19- 2.32) and macrosomic infants ( OR=1.82, 95%CI =1.32-2.51) had higher risks of overweight (all P <0.05). The decision tree model revealed that the factors associated with overweight and obesity among preschool children were ranked by importance from highest to lowest as follows: paternal body mass index, residential location, maternal pre pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, birth weight, children s daily screen time, and feeding pattern with the first 6 months of life.
Conclusions:The problem of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Xuzhou City is prominent. In addition to considering prenatal factors, early life feeding practices, and behavioral factors, prevention and control strategies should also focus on paternal factors.
