Physical Activity and Overnutrition Among 8-11-Year-Old School Children in Thika Town, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: Childhood overnutrition is a growing public health concern in the 21st century. It is a risk factor for adult obesity and noncommunicable diseases. If no action is taken, it is estimated that 208 million boys and 175 million girls aged 5-19 years will be living with obesity by 2035. This study aimed to determine the physical activity status and prevalence of overnutrition among school-going children aged 8-11 years and further explored the associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used among school-going children 8-11 years of age in Thika town, Kiambu County, Kenya. A total of 281 children were sampled. The physical activity levels were assessed using the validated physical activity questionnaire for older children. The BMI for age Z-scores (BAZ) was calculated based on weight and height measurements, and children with a BAZ score of +1 standard deviation were considered to have overnutrition. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques. Logistic regression was employed to determine associations between the independent variables and the primary outcome. Results: The prevalence of overnutrition among the children was 11%. On the other hand, 22.4% of the children were underweight. Most of the children (86.5%) attended PE classes. More than half (54.8%) of the children were physically active. Physical inactivity and attending PE classes were not associated with overnutrition. Overnutrition was significantly higher among private than public school children (aOR 2.641; 95% CI = 1.013-6.887, p=0.0047). Conclusion: There is a presence of overnutrition in school children in Thika town, Kenya. The same population is also undernourished, thus demonstrating the double burden of malnutrition. Almost half of the children were physically inactive. An integrated approach to early detection, prevention, and management of malnutrition in children aged 5-19 years is needed. These findings have implications for public health interventions in preventing childhood obesity. Interventions could prioritize encouraging physical activity through school-based education, improvement of community infrastructure, and policy approaches. Multisectoral collaboration can create solutions that encourage active commutes with general obesity prevention.