ERIC Number: ED508467
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Sep
Pages: 107
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Prevalence and Implications of Overweight and Obesity in Children's Health and Learning Behavior: The Case of Kinondoni and Njombe Districts in Tanzania
Kafyulilo, Ayoub Cherd
Online Submission, M.A. Dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam
The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which overweight and obesity are challenges among primary school children in Kinondoni and Njombe districts. The study sought to investigate those aspects in terms of prevalence, causes and impacts on social, health as well as children learning behaviours and outcomes. Systematic random sampling was used to select schools while stratified sampling and simple random sampling were used in selecting pupils and teachers. Measurement of weights and height were done to determine Body Mass Index (BMI), measurements of skinfolds were also done to determine body fat percentage. Questionnaires, semi-structured interview schedule and focus group discussion guides were also used. Findings revealed an average of 13.5% children, were overweight and obese. Economy status, household occupations, nutrition and inactivity were significant causes of overweight and obesity. Hypertension, excessive sweating, teasing and peer rejection were common to obese children. In addition, overweight and obese children were reported to underperform in academic and physical activities. The study revealed that overweight and obesity were not friendly healthy conditions to children, thus a need to work it out. The study suggests for establishment of education programs through mass Medias, to raise people's awareness on implications of obesity in children's health, social, and learning behaviours and outcomes. Seven appendixes are included: (1) Pupils' Questionnaires; (2) Pupils' Focus Group Discussion Guide; (3) Teachers' Interviews; (4) Number of Children and their Weight Status in both Rural and Urban Settings (BMI Results); (5) Percentage of Children According to their Weight Status and Performance Grades in the Classroom; (6) Factors Causing Overweight and Obesity among School Children and their Level of Significance; and (7) A Map of Kinondoni and Njombe Showing the Surveyed Schools. (Contains 12 tables and 11 figures.) [Funding for this study was provided by the Dar es Salaam University College of Education.]
Descriptors: Obesity, Body Composition, Incidence, Focus Groups, Interviews, Foreign Countries, Child Health, Elementary School Students, Etiology, Social Influences, Student Behavior, Body Weight, Body Height, Questionnaires, Socioeconomic Influences, Family Structure, Nutrition, Physical Activity Level, Life Style, Correlation, Hypertension, Bullying, Peer Relationship, Rejection (Psychology), Low Achievement, Mass Media, Teaching Methods, Public Health, Consciousness Raising
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Tanzania
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Author Affiliations: N/A