Background

Prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in low- and middle-income countries is on the rise. We focused on multiple factors which could influence body mass index.

Methods

A cross sectional school-based study was conducted in Moshi, Tanzania. Primary school children aged 9–11 years were recruited from 20 schools through a multistage sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect information on physical activity and diet by food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were taken and body mass index z scores for age and sex (BMIZ) calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus. Children were considered thin if BMIZ was <-2 standard deviations and overweight or obese if BMIZ was >1 SD. Information on school policies and environment was obtained from headteachers. Correlates of overweight and obesity were examined using a multinomial multilevel logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1170 primary school children, of whom 636 (54%) were girls, were recruited from 20 schools. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15% overall (overweight 9% and obesity 6%) and most prevalent in urban areas (23%) and in private schools (24%). Moreover, thinness was found to be (10%) overall, most prevalent in rural areas (13%) and in government schools (14%). At school level, residing in urban (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.49,5.68) and being in private school (aRRR 4.08; 95% CI 2.66,6.25) were associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity while availability of playgrounds in schools (aRRR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47, 0.97) was associated with a lower risk of overweight and obesity. At home level, availability of sugary drinks (aRRR 1.52; 95% CI 1.01,2.28) was associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity.

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity are common in private schools and in urban settings. Efforts should be taken to ensure availability of playgrounds in schools and encouraging children to engage in physical activities.