Dietary, social, and environmental determinants of obesity in Kenyan women
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Date
2011
Authors
Nelia, P. Steyn
Johanna, H. Nel
Whadi, AhPparker
Rosemary, Ayah
Mbithe, Dorcus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sage Publishing
Abstract
Aim: To assess the determinants of overweight and obesity in Kenyan women considered to be undergoing the nutrition
transition. Methods: A nationally representative sample of women (n¼1008) was randomly drawn.Weight, height, waist, and
hip circumference were measured. A 24-hour dietary recall was conducted with each participant and a socio-demographic
questionnaire completed. Data was analysed by age, education, location, and socioeconomic status. Risk for obesity was
calculated while adjusting for age and location. Results: Overweight and obesity (BMI 25 kg/m2) were highly prevalent in
Kenya (43.3%). Urbanisation appears to be an important determinant of obesity since obesity was most prevalent in urban
women in the high income group. Women in the high income group (7278 kJ) and in urban areas (7049 kJ) had the highest
mean energy intakes. There were also significant urban/rural and income differences in the contribution of macronutrients to
energy intake. Total fat intake was 34.5% of energy (E) in urban areas and 29.7% E in rural areas; while carbohydrates
contributed 69.9% E in rural areas and 57.4% E in urban areas (p<0.0001). Overweight was significantly more likely in the
highest income group; among households where room density was low; electricity or gas was used for cooking; and
households had own tap and/or own flush toilet. Conclusions: This study suggests that urbanisation and its associated
economic advancement as well as changes in dietary habits are among the most important determinants of
overweight and obesity in Kenyan women.
Description
Publisher version (Sage Publishing) available at http://sjp.sagepub.com/content/39/1/88
Keywords
BMI, determinants, dietary intake, Kenya, obesity, overweight
Citation
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2011; 39: 88–97