Factors influencing over nutrition among (15-49) in Uganda

Abstract

Overnutrition is increasing in Uganda, affecting 8.1% of women (15-49 years) in 2016 and raising risks of pregnancy complications like diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Key drivers include wealth index, access to media, age ,place of residence and many others. This study seeks to assess the determinants influencing overnutrition among women in Uganda, with the aim of generating evidence that can inform targeted strategies to reduce its burden. The study employs a robust methodology by leveraging secondary data analysis of the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) dataset. The design utilized data from 6,049 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) to comprehensively assess the prevalence and determinants of over nutrition among women in Uganda. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test for bivariate analysis, and a binary logistic regression model to analyze the relative contribution of various predictors influencing over nutrition status. Results show that place of residence, age, education level, wealth index, region, contraception methods, occupation, access to media, and number of children, are significantly associated with over nutrition (p<0.005). Notably, the highest percentages of over nutrition are observed among urban residents (17.1%), individuals aged 45-49 (15.8%), those with secondary education (15.2%), the richest wealth quintile (23%), and those in the Central region (19%). Specific associations show that urban dwellers are 1.09 times more likely to be obese than rural residents, while those aged 20-24 have 80% lower odds compared to the 45-49 age group. Secondary education increases the likelihood of over nutrition by 1.05 times, and women with four or more children have 50.7% higher odds. The highest wealth quintile is 5.8 times more likely to be obese, and individuals in clerical jobs have 96% higher odds. Additionally, IUD users are 77.8% more likely to be obese than pill users, and access to media increases over nutrition odds by 43.8%. In contrast, marital status, religion, and number of households are not statistically significant (p>0.005). This study found that older age (45-49), wealth, living in Central Uganda, having many children (4+), and formal employment are key drivers of overnutrition in Ugandan women. To tackle this, targeted measures are needed: health programs for older/wealthier women, workplace wellness plans, and region-specific nutrition strategies (especially for the Central region). Nutrition counseling in maternal care, sugar taxes, healthy food subsidies, and health media campaigns should be implemented.