Socio-demographic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Mothers of Primary School Children Living in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site, South Africa

South Africa continues to have significant high prevalence rate of overweight/obesity relative to its African counterparts, particularly, among women, owing to several factors such as nutrition transition and socio-demographic factors. Nonetheless, little is known about the socio-demographic determinants of overweight/obesity, especially in the rural settings.

To investigate the socio-demographic determinants of overweight and obesity among mothers of primary school children living in a rural Dikgale Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 mothers of primary school children from a rural setting. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the body weight by height squared and the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25–29.9 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) were determined. The socio-demographic variables were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain any relationships with overweight/obesity as an outcome measure. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.

The response rate was 98%. The mean age of mothers was 37±7years. Mothers were charecterized by singlehood (63%), unemployed (82%) and low literacy (41%). The odds of being overweight/obese were significantly higher among mothers living with spouses as household heads (AOR=3.5 95%CI: 1.97-6.31), had two to three pregnancies (AOR=2.4, 95%CI: 1.40-4.20), and five pregnancies and above (AOR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.0-6.37). Mothers who lived in households with a monthly income between $344.84 and $524,60 were less likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=0.31 95%CI: 0.14-0.70). Additionally, age, marital status and age at first pregnancy were significantly associated with being overweight/obese (χ² test, p<0.05).

The key determinants of overweight/obesity were living in spouse-headed household, household monthly income and more than one pregnancy. Evidence-based strategies that focus on strengthening the social aspects while addressing overweight and obesity among mothers of primary school children living in a rural Dikgale HDSS site, South Africa.