Childhood Obesity and Overweight in Uganda: Evidence From the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2016
Abstract Background: Childhood obesity is an emerging public health problem. Although previously a problem of high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries are now registering higher proportions of overweight and obese children. Studies in Africa have mainly focused on undernutrition among children. This paper explores the factors associated with childhood obesity and overweight in Uganda using data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) of 2016.Methods: We used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 4,338 children less than five years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using validated questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with obesity and overweight among children under the age of five in Uganda.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 5.0% (217/4338) (95% CI: 4.3–5.6) with overweight at 3.9% (168/4338: 95% CI: 3.2–4.3) and obesity at 1.1% (49/4338: 95% CI: 0.8–1.5). Boys were more likely to be overweight or obese (adjusted odds ratio: aOR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.42–2.82) compared to girls. Furthermore, children from the Western region (aOR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.07–2.44) compared to those from the North, children below the age of 49 months and those with mothers who were overweight or obese (aOR = 3.36; 95% CI 1.53–7.34) were more likely to be obese or overweight compared to their counterparts who were above 48 months and those with underweight mothers respectively.Conclusion: The present study showed male sex, older age of the children, nutritional status of the mothers and region of residence were associated with overnutrition among under five children in Uganda.