Epidemic of obesity among mothers in the Gaza Strip-Palestine

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a public health concern in both developed and developing countries, and it is a main risk factor for chronic diseases. Thus, Palestinian adults aren't spared from obesity and non-communicable diseases epidemic. This study aimed to assess the pattern of obesity among mothers in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on of 357 mothers aged 18–50 years between April-October 2012 in the Gaza Strip. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess the physical activity pattern. Mother's nutrition knowledge was evaluated using 16-item questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were conducted among the mothers, and body mass index (BMI) ≥  30.0 kg/m2 was computed to determine the prevalence of obesity. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to predict the associated factors of obesity. Results: The prevalence of obesity among mothers was high (29.6%). About 78% of mothers were classified as moderately active, 21.6% of them were inactive, whereas, vigorous activity was not observed. Results revealed that as the age increased, the risk of mothers to be obese increased (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06–1.15; p < 0.001). Mothers with the medium education level have higher risks of being obese (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.20–4.78; p = 0.013). Increased scores of nutrition knowledge to a participant increased the risk of being obese (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.03–1.32.0; p = 0.013). Conclusions: This study highlights obesity as a public health concern in the Gaza Strip. Age, educational level, and nutritional knowledge were found to have more influence on the prevalence of obesity. Community-based intervention programs should be applied to increase awareness among women and to help them to translate their nutrition knowledge into healthy dietary practices. In addition, effective program is required to increase physical activity levels for women.