Magnitude and risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Kinondoni municipal, Dar es salaam

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Overweight and obesity is a global public health issue that is becoming more prevalent in the younger generation. Globally prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 has increased from 4% in 1975 to over 18% in 2016. Broad objective: To determine the magnitude and risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Kinondoni Municipal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4 secondary schools in Kinondoni Municipal from June to July 2024. The study involved a total of 400 secondary school adolescents in Kinondoni Municipal which was selected through a two-stage stratified sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic factors, dietary habits, and physical activity factors. Also, anthropometric measurements were taken by using WHO standard procedures and BMI was calculated. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize data and regression models were estimated to determine factors associated with overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Kinondoni Municipal. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Kinondoni Municipal was 18.3% and 3.2% respectively . The majority (n=229; 57.3%) of the participants were female, while only (n=171; 42.8%) were male aged (15-19) years. Factors such as school type (p=<0.001), amount of money provided to the adolescents(p=0.043), type of sport engaged (p=0.027), frequency of watching television (p=0.047), Type of food purchased away from home(p=0.012) and consumption of soft drink (p= 0.021) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity among secondary school adolescents in Kinondoni Municipal. Conclusions: The magnitude of overweight/obesity among secondary school adolescents is high which leads to public health concerns. Interventions aimed at promoting healthier food choices, reducing the availability of unhealthy food options outside the home environment, and educating adolescents about balanced nutrition can help to reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents.