Prevalence and Determinant Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Preschool Children Living in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Childhood obesity and its related adverse health effects have become major public health problems in developing countries. The prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight and their predictors are not well documented in the developing countries, especially in Ethiopia.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinant factors of overweight and obesity among aged 3-5 years old children in Hawassa City, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an urban locality called Hawassa City from February to March, 2012. Weight and height of the study children were measured and the dietary habits, physical activity and socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects were collected using a structured interview questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of obesity and overweight.

Results

Out of 358 participants, 50.6% were girls while 49.4% were boys with mean (±SD) age were 48.8±9 months. The combined prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight was 10.7%, the specific prevelences being 3.4% and 7.3% for obesity and overweight, respectively. Children living with higher socioeconomic status (SES) were significantly at risk for being overweight and obese as compared to children living with lower SES (AOR = 3.51 [95% CI: 1.30-9.50).

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children in the study area were lower than some reported elsewhere, its increase with socioeconomic status and food consumption practices in the study area indicates that it is an emerging problem given the rapidly increasing urbanization and changes in lifestyles and dietary habits. Overweight/obesity was more common among children with wealthier parents, early introduction of formula feeding, who ate a wide diversity of foods, consumed sweets and fast foods. Parents and children should be educated and trained on optimal nutrition practices.

Keywords: Preschool children, overweight, obesity, risk factors, Hawassa, Ethiopia