Prevalence and Associated Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Preschool Children in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia.

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.