Cardiometabolic risk burden and associated behaviours in schoolchildren aged 7–10 years from public urban schools in the Federal District, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess cardiometabolic risk burden among schoolchildren aged 7-10 years attending public urban elementary schools in the Federal District, Brazil, and examine its association with health behaviours and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study included 978 children, with a subsample of 315 undergoing biochemical assessment. Data were collected on dietary intake, eating and sedentary behaviours, physical activity, anthropometry, blood pressure, and biochemical markers. A composite cardiometabolic risk outcome was constructed and assessed only in the biochemical subsample. Analyses accounted for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: Among children included in the biochemical subsample, 89.9% presented at least one cardiometabolic risk factor and dyslipidaemia was present in 72.0%. In the full sample, overweight was observed in 30.2% of the children. Eating with distractions was associated with higher odds of cardiometabolic risk burden, increasing the likelihood of one to two risk factors (odds ratio = 2.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.62-5.47) and three or more risk factors (odds ratio = 2.52; 95% confidence interval:1.08-5.90). Consuming snacks or treats, compared with a homemade meal, was associated with lower odds of presenting one to two risk factors (odds ratio = 0.32; 95% confidence interval: 0.10-0.99), but no association was observed with three or more risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Within the non-random biochemical subsample of morning-shift students, a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors was observed, and eating with distractions was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk burden. Early preventive strategies targeting modifiable behaviours are needed.