Factors of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age 15 – 49 years in Ilala Municipality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) have become among public health problems, which contribute to mortality and morbidity globally. The widespread of NCD in the populations have led to the global increase of cardiovascular diseases such as heart diseases, high blood pressure which also increase health care costs. According to Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (2004/05, 2010 and 2015/16) the percentage of overweight and obesity has been increasing and affects more women than men in Tanzania, in all surveys Dar es Salaam region has the highest percentage of overweight and obesity compared to other regions. Despite such increase on overweight and obesity, there is inadequate information on the factors of overweight and obesity. Objectives. The broad objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Ilala Municipality

Methods: A cross sectional study employing a two-stage clusters sampling procedure was conducted. Face-to-face interviews were held using WHO Steps questionnaire after customizing it to suite the study context. Anthropometric measurements - weight, height and waist measurements were made. Bivariate and Multivariate analysis was carried for determining factors of overweight and obesity. Results: 506 respondents were interviewed, percentage of overweight and obesity was 48.8% (n=245/506). Physical activity, dietary intake and age were factors for overweight and obesity. Respondents with 30-39 years [AOR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.4 - 4.8; P = 0.002] and 40 – 49 years (AOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.1- 4.5; P=0.034) were more likely to be overweight and obese compared to respondents with age between 15 – 24 years. Additionally, women who had physical activity were less likely to be overweight and obese compared to their counter part who had no physical activity (AOR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.4 – 0.9, P=0.026), also women who had dietary intake were less likely to be overweight and obese than those who had no dietary intake (AOR=0.3; 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.8, P=0.039). Conclusions: Age, physical activity and dietary intake are the factors associated with overweight and obesity among WRA in Ilala Municipality. Key Words: Overweight, Obesity, Women of Reproductive Age