Abstract:
Background: The global rise of adolescent overweight and obesity is bringing a new challenge to the
public health sector by shaping the upcoming generation for the worst. It is also known to cause
disruptive quality of social life by inducing teasing, bullying, social isolation and stigmatization among
children which contribute to the mental wellbeing of growing adolescent. Identifying context specific
determinants of overweight and obesity is critical undertaking to formulate preventive programs.
Objectives: To identify determinants of over-weight and obesity among school adolescent.
Methods: School based un-matched case control study design was employed from March 1-30, 2019,
in Butajira town, Gurage zone, South Ethiopia. A total of 297 (ratio of 2 controls:1 case) adolescent
students were selected from Butajira town schools using simple random sampling technique after cases
and controls identified by survey. Through sociodemographic, dietary practice, physical activity and
nutritional knowledge related factors data were collected. Bivariable logistic regression analyses were
employed to identify associated variables and multi-variable logistic regression analysis was employed
to identify independent predictors of overweight/obesity. All statistical tests were considered
significant at p-value<0.05.
Results: A total of 297 adolescents were involved in this study with a response rate of 100%. The odds
adolescents from high wealth quantile were 5.8 times more for overweight and obesity as compared to
adolescents from low wealth quantile [AOR = 5.8 (95% CI: 2.66,12.5)]. Likewise, the likelihood of
adolescents being physically inactive were 4.4 times more for overweight and obesity as compared to
adolescents from physically active AOR=4.4(95% CI: 1.68,11.6). Regarding to sedentary behavior,
the likelihood of adolescents who spent free time by watching television/movies for 3 and above hours
per day were 8.6 times more for overweight and obesity as compared to adolescents from their
counterparts [AOR=8.6(4.3,17)]. Moreover, the odds of adolescents who had poor knowledge in
nutrition were 3.4 times more for overweight and obesity as compared to adolescents who had good
knowledge in nutrition [AOR=3.4(1.7,6.9)].
Conclusion: High socioeconomic status, consumption of soft drink, physical inactivity and sedentary
behavior were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Parents and adolescents need to set
aside time for healthy meals, physical activity and limit television viewing for their children’s and also
Reduce consumption of high energy dense foods and Increase consumption fruit and vegetable.
