Abstract:
Overweight and obesity imposes unacceptably high health problem, economic and
social costs on countries at all income levels. Globally 1.4 billion People are overweight,
of whom 500 million are obese. As reports show that the disability adjusted life year due
to overweight and obesity per 1000 population in the year 2010 in world was 25. In
Ethiopia, at regional level, the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity was
observed in Addis Ababa region.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among
primary school children in Bole sub city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2006 E.C.
Methods
The study was conducted at Bole Sub-city from April 06, 2014 - May 02, 2014. A total of
845 children were selected using multi stage sampling techniques. Data were collected
using structured and pre tested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement of weight
and height was done using standardized and calibrated measuring tools. Descriptive
statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses was
employed to identify associated factors with overweight and obesity.
Result
The overall prevalence of Overweight or Obesity among children in primary schools of
Bole sub city was 9.8% among which over weight accounts 8.0% and obesity accounts
for the rest 1.8%. The present study also found that there were a statically significant
association between age below 12 years 0.55 (95%CI=0.33,0.99), medium monthly
income 0.20(95%CI=0.04,0.86), ownership of private car for transportation 1.84
(95%CI=1.10,3.06), single day use of soft drink per week 0.35 (95%CI=0.16,0.73),
Eating while television watching 2.33(95%CI=1.40,3.89), family preference of feeding
fat and fried foods 2.64 (95%CI =1.38,5.02) and family preference of child sedentary life
style 1.98 (95%CI =1.03,3.77) with overweight and obesity (p<0.05).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Overweight and obesity prevalence was relatively high among children in primary
schools at Bole sub city. Age of the child, medium monthly income, ownership of private
car for transportation, single day use of soft drink per week, eating while watching
television (TV) or film, family Preferences of feeding fat and fried foods and sedentary
life of the child were predictors. Therefore interventions need to focus on attitudinal and
behavioral change towards child feeding and should target mainly families.
