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E u r o p e a n C o n g r e s s o n
Obesity and
Eating Disorder
Obesity 2018
Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders
ISSN 2471-8203
A p r i l 1 2 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 8
Am s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s
Page 50
Background:
Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming
rate and is a global public health concern. Estimates from
Sub-Saharan Africa suggest that the region is following a
similar pattern. The identification of determinants of obesity
and their population attributability impact is critical for
informing the formulation of contextually relevant prevention
efforts. The aim of the study was to first identify prominent
determinants associated with childhood obesity in a province
of Zimbabwe. Secondly, we calculated population attributable
risk proportions for identified determinants to identify
potential “best buys” for future prevention strategies.
Methods:
We conducted a school based anthropometric
cross-sectional study of 974 primary school children, aged
6–12 years in Mashonaland West Province. A multistage
random cluster (30) sampling approach was employed with
30 students recruited in each cluster i.e. total sample size
of 900. We employed a multilevel logistic regression and
population attributable fraction estimation to identify high
impact determinants (individual, social, lifestyle/behavioural
and environmental) associated with childhood obesity.
Results:
Consumption of unhealthy foods, chocolates and
sweet biscuits (aRR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.06–2.27, p=0.024)
and sedentary activities of using bus/vehicle as means
of transport to school (aRR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.72–3.52,
p<0.001) were prominent determinants of obesity among
school children. Urban school children and children from
Determinants of childhood obesity and associated
population attributability among school children in
Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe
George Kambondo and Benn Sartorius
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
J Obes Eat Disord 2018, Volume: 4
DOI: 10.21767/2471-8203-C1-009
Makonde, Zvimba, Sanyati and Mhondoro-Ngezi districts
were significantly associated with increased obesity risk. The
identified determinants accounted for 18% (95% CI: 3–51%)
of overweight/obese and 19% (95% CI: 4–53%) of overfat/
obese, respectively. Consumption of junk food accounted for
2% of overfat/obese and 3% of overweight/obese, respectively.
Physical activity risk factors reduced overfat/obese by 3%
(95% CI: 1–9%) and overweight/obese by 2% (95% CI: 0–6%),
respectively.
Conclusion:
This study has identified contextually relevant
determinants for obesity among school aged child population,
which can more effectively inform current intervention
programmes and strategies. There is need for a more
multifaceted strategy to tackle this growing epidemic in
Zimbabwean schools.
kambondogeorge@gmail.com