Assessment of risk factors contributing to obesity and its associated co-morbidity in Moshi municipality, Kilimanjaro region
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Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Tanzania. The health consequences of
obesity range from increased risk of premature death to serious chronic conditions
like hypertension and type 2 diabetes and arthritis which reduces overall quality of
life.
This study which is on assessment of the factors contributing to obesity and the
associated co-morbidity was conducted at Moshi Municipality Kilimanjaro region.
The study used a sample of 130 respondents selected by using purposive and simple
random sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview
guide. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analysed by using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
The study revealed that there was high prevalence of obese people among
respondents with age group ranging between 46-70 years. This age group formed
(49)49% of the total respondents. Arthritis as co-morbidity was also indicated as the
leading problem represented by 78 (76%) of all respondents who participated in the
study. The study shows that respondents who were involving themselves in Activity
of Daily Living (ADL) such as home gardening, house cleaning etc. were 69% less
likely to suffer from obesity compared to non-ADL.
The study recommended that since obesity is preventable, attention should be taken
towards people who are at risk of developing it. Tanzanian government should
establish health programmes which will emphasize on the need of physical exercises.
People should be educated on the need of changing their life style from sedentary
life to active lifestyle.
Keywords
risk factors contributing to obesity, obesity and its associated co-morbidity in Moshi