Abstract

Global research still reveals a critical gap in breast cancer (BC) awareness. This study was performed during educational activities in Gharyan governorate in Libya during 2013 as a cross sectional survey assessing BC and breast self-examination (BSE) awareness, BSE practice and attitudes toward BSE in school and collegiate female students and teachers targeted 1027 participants and revealed 97.4% awareness of BC, 42.3% awareness of BSE, 13.4% practice of BSE and only 3.2% regular practice of BSE. Among those who were aware about BC, 97.7% were interested to know, 94.2% exhibited the will to know and excel BSE, 88.0% exhibited the will to educate BSE and 85.9% exhibited the will to participate in BC awareness activities. The first three attitudes seem to be driven by awareness about BC. Anyhow, education and awareness of BSE were found independent predictors for the will to learn and excel the practice of BSE, working woman status was an independent predictor for the proactivity in educating others while having an affected family member was the independent predictor for the will in participation in taskforces. The selective targeting of the proactive groups in the future may enhance the program and save resources.

ABSTRACT

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are rising public health concerns worldwide, including in urban areas of Libya. Data on prevalence in school-aged children in Gharyan are scarce.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren aged 7–12 years in Gharyan City, Libya, and explore variations by age, gender, and school grade.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 632 children from public and private schools. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and BMI was classified using WHO BMI-for-age reference charts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stratified prevalence assessments.

Results: Overall, 22.0% of children were overweight and 9.7% were obese, with no significant gender differences. Obesity peaked in 7-year-old boys (23.1%) and 12-year-old girls (14.3%). Overweight prevalence increased with age, peaking at 32.6% in boys aged 8 years. Combined overweight and obesity affected 31.7% of participants, highlighting a substantial urban burden.

Conclusion: Childhood overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among schoolchildren in Gharyan, Libya, across all ages and genders. These findings underscore the need for targeted school-based interventions and community health strategies, with collaboration between clinical pharmacists and community medicine physicians to prevent and manage obesity from an early age.

Keywords: Childhood obesity, overweight, BMI, school-aged children, Libya, urban health, WHO growth standards

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