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.