Abstract:
Background: Overweight/obesity is on the rise in developing countries, especially in urban areas. Although overweight/obesity
is one of the leading preventable causes of death less is known about the prevalence of obesity and the perceptions about weight
among patients attending healthcare facilities. Previous studies have shown that correct perception of body weight is an important
factor in weight control. This study determined prevalence of overweight/obesity and assessed perception scores about body
weight among patients attending healthcare facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: In this study, a cross- sectional study was conducted in three district government hospitals in Dar es Salaam. A
structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio demographic characteristics and perception about body weight, Height
and weight were measured following standard procedures. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were used to determine the
prevalence and demographic factors which influence perceptions about body weight. A total of 410 outpatients aged 18-59 years
were randomly recruited into the study.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients was 25.8% and 23.9%, respectively. This was higher among
women compared to men (33% versus 14%). (P=0.02). Despite this higher prevalence, Majority of patients tended to
underestimate their weight, (50.6%) considered their overweight as normal weight, (66.2%) perceived their obese status as
normal. In total, only 41.2% of patients accurately classified their weight. Logistic regression analysis showed that Education
level, (AOR=O.18. 95% CI 0.09-0.34), occupation (AOR=1.96 95% CI 0.86-4.50), and nutritional status (AOR=9.19, 95% CI
4.34-19.48), were significant predictors of correct perception of one’s body weight.
Conclusions : The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high in this population. However, more than half of overweight and
obese outpatients had incorrect perception of their body weights. We recommend health facilities increase awareness of weight
status and promote a healthy body weight. Increasing patient’s awareness of their overweight problems is the first step in
preventing diet related NCDs.
