Journal of Applied Nursing and Health
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Applied Nursing and Health

Parental Support and School Environment as Determinants of Obesity Risk among School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nurharlinah, Nurharlinah (Unknown)
Athiutama, Ari (Unknown)
Karyatin, Karyatin (Unknown)
Herdiani, Rini (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is an increasing public health concern among school-aged children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While parental support and the school environment are recognized as important determinants, evidence comparing their relative influence within a socio-ecological framework remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between parental support, the school environment, and obesity risk among school-aged children in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 children aged 7–12 years using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using a validated parental support questionnaire, school environment assessment instrument, and anthropometric measurements to determine the body mass index (BMI) for age. Associations were analyzed using the chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. This study was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Both parental support and school environment were significantly associated with obesity risk. Children with low parental support had higher odds of obesity (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.20–5.10), whereas those exposed to less healthy school environments had even higher odds of obesity (OR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.35–5.80). Among the examined factors, the school environment demonstrated the strongest independent association with the risk of obesity. Conclusion: Parental support and the school environment are important determinants of obesity risk among school-aged children; however, school-level factors appear to play a more dominant role in this regard. These findings highlight schools as a critical entry point for childhood obesity prevention within a socio-ecological framework, particularly in LMIC.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

janh

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

Journal of Applied Nursing and Health (JANH) (Prefix DOI: 10.55018) has published its first volume with p-ISSN: 2657-1609 (SK LIPI: 0005.26571609/JI.3.1/SK.ISSN/2019.05) in 2019 and e-ISSN: 2809-3208 (SK LIPI 005.28093208/K.4/SK.ISSN/2021.12) in 2021. JANH is a health journal that publishes ...