Abstract:
Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, most nutrition efforts have concentrated on under-nutrition
in children. However, national surveys rarely report the high prevalence of overweight and
obesity among children. Likewise, in Ethiopia there is growing recognition of the emergence of a
“double-burden”of malnutrition.Globally, an estimated 43 million preschool children were
overweight or obese in 2010, a 60% increase since 1990. The problem affects countries rich and
poor, and by sheer numbers, places the greatest burden on the poorest.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors
among preschool children in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia.
Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2017 on
548 preschool children. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study kebeles and
subjects. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio demographic
factor, feeding behavior of child, sedentary behavior and physical activity of the child. Weight
and height was measured using standardized techniques and calibrated equipment. Descriptive
statistics like percents and mean(SD) were used to summarize the results. Bivariate and
multivariable logistic regression models were used for determining the predictors of overweight
and obesity.
Results: The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity,and overall overweight/obesity among
preschool children in Jimma town were 12.8%(95% CI=9.9-15.7%) and 4.9%(95% CI=3.3-
6.9%),and 17.7%%(95% CI=14.4-21.0%), respectively.The mean dietary diversity score of
preschool children was 4.26 (±1.51). Cereal based diets (88.5%) and pulses,legumes and nuts
(81.2%) are the two common foods of preschool children. Overweight/obesity was significantly
associated with family size less than five members[AOR(95% CI)=2.6(1.37-4.94)],age of 48-60
month[AOR(95% CI)=2.2(1.12-4.33)], mothers are employed[AOR(95% CI)=2.3(1.21-4.29)], in
higher wealth tertile(AOR(95% CI) =2.7(1.01-7.23)], spending > 2 hours/day on sedentary
activities[AOR(95% CI)=2.2(1.10-4.54)],and spending < 1 hour/day on outdoor activities[AOR
(95% CI)=3.2(1.66-6.24)].
Conclusions and Recommendations: More than one in ten of preschool children were affected
by overweight/obesity with dietary habit and physical activities are important modifiable risk
factors.Well tailored nutrition education programme targeting life style and behavioral change
should be initiated with more emphases to employed mothers and high wealth tertile households.
