Prevalence of and factors associated with overweight and obesity among nursery school children aged 3-6 years in Eldoret Municipality

Childhood overweight and obesity is a serious emerging problem in both developed and developing countries. The developed world is already grappling with a proportionately high burden of obesity in children, with the developing countries experiencing a double burden of under nutrition and over nutrition. Obesity posses a significant public health threat to children as it has a significant impact on both their physical and psychological health. Furthermore, childhood overweight and obesity has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in adult life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among nursery school children aged 3-6 years in Eldoret Municipality and to identify the associated factors. Cross-sectional study of 320 nursery school children aged 3-6 years was carried out in 20 nursery schools sampled from Eldoret Municipality. Simple random sampling proportionate to each of the schools population size was used to select the children. A child’s anthropometric data, which was converted to Weight – for- Height z-scores, was used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric data was analyzed using WHO anthro software for child standards in monitoring and growth. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.0 and Epi Info version 3.4.3. Chi-square test of association and logistic regression (binary) was used to determine the significant variables affecting the prevalence of overweight and obesity. All p values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results indicated that the prevalence of overweight was 13.4% and obesity 6.9%. Type of school, owning television, parent’s employment status and mode of transport to school were each independently significantly associated with overweight and obesity of the children. In conclusion, overweight and obesity exist in nursery school children in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. Increase in physical activities should be ensured both at home and in the communities.Key words: Overweight, Obesity, factors, children, prevalenc

Factors Associated With The Prevalence Of Under-Nutrition In Pre-School Children In Matisi Peri-Urban Location, Trans-Nzoia District, Kenya

Under-nutrition is a serious problem facing pre-schoolers worldwide and especially in developing countries. Peri- urban populations are normally characterized by difficult socio- economic situations which are likely to have direct or indirect implications on the health of pre-scholars hence may contribute to the prevalence of under-nutrition. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of under-nutrition of pre-schoolers and the associated risk factors. The study used a cross-sectional survey of pre-scholars from Matisi peri-urban location, Trans- Nzoia district. Children’s anthropometric measurements including body weight, height, and MUAC were taken. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to gather socio- demographic and environmental factors of the pre-scholars. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Chi square test and logistic regression were used to find associations between factors and under-nutrition. Epi- Info version 3.5.1 was used to analyze anthropometric data which generated z scores (SD). Results were considered significant at 5% ?-level. The results obtained were;- the mean age (in months) was 38±10.7. Majority (95.2%) of the children were immunized. Prevalence of Under-nutrition (stunting, underweight and wasting) was (24%), (21.6%) and (5.3%) respectively. Children who were fed colostrums had 96.6% less chances of stunting and those who had completed immunization had 83.3% less likely to be stunted (p=0.010, OR 0.034, 95%CI 0.003–0.443: p=0.019 OR 0.167, 95% CI 0.037 – 0.747) respectively. Preschoolers who had suffered fever two weeks prior to the study (p=0.032 OR 3.660, 95% CI 1.118-11.982) were four times likely to be stunted and mothers with a high parity were twice likely to have stunted children. Complete immunization and fecal waste disposal site were associated with underweight (p= 0.028 OR 0.205 95% CI 0.05-0.844 and p=0.002 OR 3.7 95% CI 1.601-8.911) respectively. We therefore conclude the most prevalent forms of under-nutrition were stunting and underweight. The government and partners should put emphasis on the importance of complete immunization, proper disposal of fecal waste, proper child feeding methods. There is also need for slum upgrading projects and residents should be assisted to start Income Generating Activities to raise their living standards. Key words: Peri-urban, pre-school, Prevalence, Under-nutritio

Protein-Energy Malnutrition among Women of Child Bearing Age in Semi Arid Areas of Keiyo District, Kenya

Background: Women of child bearing age are vulnerable to food shortage in arid areas and this ultimately affects their nutritional status. Research on these women remains largely unexploited in many parts of the developing countries such as Kenya. The study sought to establish the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among women of child bearing age in the Semi arid areas of Keiyo District. .Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 335 randomly selected women from three semi arid divisions. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were taken. Nutrient intake data was collected using a 24 hour recall questionnaire. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic information.  Data was analysed using SPSS V.16.0. T-test, chi-square and logistic regression were employed in the analysis. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean (SD) age of mothers was 29.9±6.3 years. The prevalence of CED was 44.9%. Compared to RDA, protein, energy, vitamin A, Iron and Zinc intake were significantly low (p<0.05). Vitamin C and Folate intake were significantly higher than RDA. Based on BMI, 39 (12.2%) were underweight, 54 (16%) overweight while 49 (15.9%) were obese. Only 120 (35.8%) of the households ate a diversified diet. Age, marital status, education level, occupation and income level were significantly associated with under-nutrition (p<0.05) Conclusion: Enhancing diversified diets should be encouraged. Awareness on proper nutrition should be done through education to the community

Neonatal jaundice and developmental impairment among infants in Kilifi, Kenya

Background: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is common in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), and it is associated with sepsis. Despite the high incidence, little has been documented about developmental impairments associated with NNJ in SSA. In particular, it is not clear if sepsis is associated with greater impairment following NNJ. Methods: We followed up 169 participants aged 12 months (57 cases and 112 controls) within the Kilifi Health Demographic Surveillance System. The diagnosis of NNJ was based on clinical laboratory measurement of total serum bilirubin on admission, whereas the developmental outcomes were assessed using the Developmental Milestones Checklist and Kilifi Development Inventory. Results: There were significant differences between the cases and controls in all developmental domains. Cases scored lower in language functioning (mean [M] = 6.5, standard deviation [SD] = 4.3 vs. M = 8.9, SD = 4.6; p \u3c .001); psychomotor functioning (Mdn = 23, interquartile range [IQR] = 17–34 vs. Mdn = 31.0, IQR = 22.0–44.0; Mann–Whitney U = 4,122, p = .002); and socio‐emotional functioning ([Mdn = 30.0, IQR = 27.0–33.0 vs. Mdn = 34.0, IQR = 30.0–37.0], Mann–Whitney U = 4,289, p \u3c .001). There was no evidence of association between sepsis and psychomotor (rpb = −.2, p = .214), language (rpb = −.1, p = .510), and socio‐emotional functioning (rpb = .0, p = .916). Significant and medium to large portions of the variance (34–64%) in the developmental outcomes among children who survived NNJ were associated with home birth, low maternal education, and feeding problems during the first days of life. Conclusions: NNJ is associated with developmental impairments in the early childhood years; however, NNJ associated with sepsis does not lead to more severe impairment. Prenatal and postnatal care services are needed to reduce the negative impact of NNJ for children from low resourced settings

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ABstRAct Background: Breastfeeding is nearly universal in Kenya. However, supplementation of breast milk starts too early, thereby exposing the infants to diarrhoea and other infections. Despite the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) from birth to six months, EB is rare and poorly timed and complementary feeding (CF) practices are still common. The study describes feeding practices of children aged 0 to 24 months in the Mumias Division of the Kakamega district in Kenya. Correspondence to

Mother's health seeking behaviour during child illness in a rural western Kenya community

Background: In most developing countries, the health of the children is strongly dependant on maternal healthcare behaviour. The study describes the prevalence of illness among preschool children in a rural sugarcane growing community and the mother's health seeking behavior. Objectives: To document the presence of illness among preschool children at household level in a rural community in Western Kenya and also determine the mother's health seeking behavior during the course of these illnesses. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional community survey using interview schedules, key informants and focus group discussions and Makunga Rural Health Center in Kakamega District western Kenya. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. Results: Fifty two percent of the children had had at least one illness a week prior to the survey. Fever was the most commonly reported symptom with 48% of the cases. A third (32.4%) of the mothers purchased and administered drugs to their sick children without seeking medical attention. The most commonly reported reasons for this behavior were: the government health facilities were at a distance, the services are poor and inability to afford services at the private hospitals and clinics. Conclusion: Intervention programmes focusing on diversification of income sources, maternal education and community based mobile clinics are likely to contribute towards improved health of children in this and any other rural sugarcane growing community. African Health Sciences Vol. 5 (4) 2005: pp. 322-32

Physical activity patterns, dietary intake and health status among University of Nairobi lecturers in Kenya

Health status based on lifestyle-related disease is a concern in many developing countries, including Kenya. Factors related to such disease conditions, are important in ensuring economic sustainability in future. Currently there is limited research in this area. The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity patterns, dietary intake and health status of lecturers at the University of Nairobi. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 120 lecturers as study participants. Data collection included the use of a questionnaire with a physical activity checklist based on 7-day recall, 24-hour food recall, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and also diabetes-related questions. Descriptive statistics mainly means, percentages and correlations were used to analyze data. Inferences were made using chi-square statistics, which revealed a significant relationship between health status and physical activity (χ2 =27.54, N=118

PREVALENCE OF AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG NURSERY SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED 3-6 YEARS IN ELDORET MUNICIPALITY

9257 ABSTRACT Childhood overweight and obesity is a serious emerging problem in both developed and developing countries. The developed world is already grappling with a proportionately high burden of obesity in children, with the developing countries experiencing a double burden of under nutrition and over nutrition. Obesity posses a significant public health threat to children as it has a significant impact on both their physical and psychological health. Furthermore, childhood overweight and obesity has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in adult life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among nursery school children aged 3-6 years in Eldoret Municipality and to identify the associated factors. Crosssectional study of 320 nursery school children aged 3-6 years was carried out in 20 nursery schools sampled from Eldoret Municipality. Simple random sampling proportionate to each of the schools population size was used to select the children. A child's anthropometric data, which was converted to Weight -for-Height z-scores, was used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric data was analyzed using WHO anthro software for child standards in monitoring and growth. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.0 and Epi Info version 3.4.3. Chi-square test of association and logistic regression (binary) was used to determine the significant variables affecting the prevalence of overweight and obesity. All p values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results indicated that the prevalence of overweight was 13.4% and obesity 6.9%. Type of school, owning television, parent's employment status and mode of transport to school were each independently significantly associated with overweight and obesity of the children. In conclusion, overweight and obesity exist in nursery school children in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. Increase in physical activities should be ensured both at home and in the communities