Prevalence and determinants of non-fasting lipid abnormalities among 9- to 11-year-old students in the Science City area

Achoimre

Objective This study aims to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with non-fasting lipid abnormalities among students aged 9–11 years in the Science City area, thereby establishing a foundation for early, targeted interventions to enhance cardiovascular health in this demographic. Methods In October 2025, we recruited 580 primary school students aged 9–11 years from the Science City area. We measured non-fasting levels of four lipid parameters: total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, we recorded height, weight, and waist circumference. Data on lifestyle behaviors were gathered through questionnaires. To identify factors associated with lipid abnormalities, we employed binary logistic regression. Results Based on the diagnostic criteria for non-fasting lipid abnormalities in children, the prevalence among 9- to 11-year-old students in the Science City area was 29.7% (172/580). There was no significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls (30.5% vs. 28.9%; χ 2 = 0.19, p > 0.05). In addition, LDL, TG, HDL, and TC levels showed no significant gender differences (all p > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a meat-centric diet (OR: 21.84, 95% CI: 10.51–45.37), frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (OR: 4.49, 95% CI: 2.00–10.06), being overweight or obese (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.85–5.48), frequent intake of fried foods (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 1.45–7.11), and a family history of metabolic disorders was an independent positive correlates of lipid abnormalities (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.75–4.72). In contrast, moderate single-session exercise duration (OR: 0.17), high-frequency weekly physical activity (OR: 0.29), and parental attention to children’s lipid health (OR: 0.51) were independent inverse correlates (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Among 9- to 11-year-old students in the Science City area, the prevalence of non-fasting lipid abnormalities is notably high. These lipid alterations are positively associated with overweight or obesity, high-sugar and high-fat dietary patterns, and a family history of metabolic diseases. Encouraging longer exercise sessions, increasing the frequency of physical activity, optimizing household dietary habits, and enhancing parental awareness could help lower the likelihood of lipid abnormalities in children within this age group.