Browsing by Author "Pacific, Renatha"

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Physical activity and sedentary behaviors associated with overweight and obesity among primary school children in Tanzania: a case-control study
(Emerald Group Holdings Ltd., 2021-11-19) Pacific, Renatha; Kulwa, Kissa; Martin, Haikael; Petrucka, Pammla
Purpose This study aims at determining the risk of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors on overweight and obesity among primary school children aged 10–13 years in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach A case-control study was conducted from January to March 2020 involving 69 overweight/obese children as cases and 138 normal weight children as controls. Cases were identified as having body mass index-for-age ≥ +1 standard deviation (SD) and controls as those having BMI-for-age range between −2 SD to <+1 SD. A validated questionnaire was used for data collection on daily physical activities and sedentary behavior types, frequency duration and activity score. An independent sample t-test was used to compare means of activity score between cases and controls. Binary logistic regression was used to predict risk factors for overweight/obesity. Findings Risk factors for overweight/obesity were listening to music and/or radio for >2 h/week (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.1) and walking for exercise <2 h/week (OR 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–4.1). On the other hand, rope skipping for >2 h/week (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.7) was a protective factor against overweight/obesity. Controls had a significantly higher mean score of being active during lunch breaks compared to cases (p = 0.012). Cases had higher weight, height and percentage body fat than controls (p < 0.001). The home environment provided more avenues for physical activity than the school environment. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is original research work and the first case-control study to predict physical activity and sedentary behaviors as risk factors for overweight and obesity in Tanzanian school children.
Prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Ilala and Mkuranga districts, Tanzania
(NM-AIST, 2023-08) Pacific, Renatha
Overweight and obesity are increasing among school children and are currently considered as significant public health problems. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children (10-13 years) and their correlates, to inform policy for action in order to reduce the magnitude and consequences of the problems. A cross sectional study design was conducted in Ilala and Mkuranga districts of Tanzania between July 2019 and December 2020 among 406 school children, 36 parents/guardians, and 9 teachers. Standardized questionnaires were used for data collection and laboratory analysis was performed to determine actual fatty acids and sugar contents of foods commonly consumed by school children in the study areas. Height and weight measurements were performed by using the World Health Organization standard procedures. The general prevalence of overweight and obesity based on BMI-for-age indicator was 22.6% higher in private than in public schools (32.4% vs. 14.8%, p<0.001). Dietary habits of school children were characterized by low fruit, vegetable, and milk intake. Overweight and obesity among school children correlated significantly with moderate consumption of soda/carbonated drinks (AOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19- 0.85), high consumption of fruit/fruit-flavored juices (AOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.67), local ice cream (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.95), and low dietary diversity (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44- 0.75). Other predictors were moderate consumption of potato chips (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.07- 4.81) and having overweight/obese parent (AOR 10.11, 95% CI 2.72-37.65). In addition, sedentary behavior, such as listening to music and/or radio for >2 hours/week (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.1) and low physical activity such as walking for exercise <2 hours/week (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.1) were risk factors for overweight/obesity while rope skipping for >2 hours/week (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.7) was protective. Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid (C16:0), were found in abundance in all food samples while sucrose and saccharin concentrations varied considerably between products. Findings from this study showed that the food environment may be a contributing factor to overweight/obesity among school children. This study informs relevant authorities to take appropriate actions to minimize health risks associated with overweight and obesity in school children.