Risk Factors and Cumulative Risk of Comorbid Myopia and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims

Myopia and obesity in children and adolescents pose a significant social burden. Currently, limited studies are available on the potential risk factors for the comorbid myopia and obesity in children and adolescents, and effective preventive strategies remain inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the risk factors and cumulative risk of comorbid myopia and obesity in children and adolescents.

Methods

Students aged 6–12 years (n = 3131) from Shenzhen were selected via a stratified, random, cluster sampling method. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors for comorbid myopia and obesity. Generalized linear models were used to explore the correlations among cumulative risk scores, refraction, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

The prevalence of comorbid myopia and obesity was 7.3%, while that of myopia and obesity individually were 47.4% and 16.2%, respectively. The comorbidity rate increased from 3.7% in Grade 1 to 11.3% in Grade 6 (p < 0.05). Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.38), frequent fried food consumption (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.07–2.67), and lower household income (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.02–1.84) were associated with a higher risk of comorbid myopia and obesity. The cumulative risk score was positively associated with comorbidity.

Conclusion

Comorbid of myopia and obesity in children and adolescents is a current concern. Age, dietary factors, and household income were identified as risk factors for comorbid myopia and obesity. Developing healthy dietary and lifestyles habits in children and adolescent is a key preventive measure for common conditions, including myopia and obesity.