Obesity 2018: Determinants of childhood obesity and associated population attributability among school children in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe- George Kambondo-University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and is a global public health concern. Estimates from Sub-Saharan Africa suggest that the region is following a similar pattern. The identification of determinants of obesity and their population attributability impact is critical for informing the formulation of contextually relevant prevention efforts. The aim of the study was to first identify prominent determinants associated with childhood obesity in a province of Zimbabwe. Secondly, we calculated population attributable risk proportions for identified determinants to identify potential “best buys” for future prevention strategies. Methods: We conducted a school based anthropometric cross-sectional study of 974 primary school children, aged 6–12 years in Mashonaland West Province. A multistage random cluster (30) sampling approach was employed with 30 students recruited in each cluster i.e. total sample size of 900. We employed a multilevel logistic regression and population attributable fraction estimation to identify high impact determinants (individual, social, lifestyle/behavioural and environmental) associated with childhood obesity. Results: Consumption of unhealthy foods, chocolates and sweet biscuits (aRR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.06–2.27, p=0.024) and sedentary activities of using bus/vehicle as means of transport to school (aRR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.72–3.52, p Makonde, Zvimba, Sanyati and Mhondoro-Ngezi districts were significantly associated with increased obesity risk. The identified determinants accounted for 18% (95% CI: 3–51%) of overweight/obese and 19% (95% CI: 4–53%) of overfat/ obese, respectively. Consumption of junk food accounted for 2% of overfat/obese and 3% of overweight/obese, respectively. Physical activity risk factors reduced overfat/obese by 3% (95% CI: 1–9%) and overweight/obese by 2% (95% CI: 0–6%), respectively. Conclusion: This study has identified contextually relevant determinants for obesity among school aged child population, which can more effectively inform current intervention programmes and strategies. There is need for a more multifaceted strategy to tackle this growing epidemic in Zimbabwean schools. Thank you very much I have enjoyed very much and the conferences experience was good .The venue of conference is very nice place .I have first time visit Amsterdam that was very good place . Where we have conference that place is fully professional and all person being behave . 1st professional conference, the conference based on obesity and Eating Disorders. the conferences I was attending last two years, I was giddy at the prospect of attending the conference and interacting with other people . Even though I’m not in academics or pursuing a master’s degree, I wanted to experience a conference and be in an environment where books and writing were the focus all day and night. I attended the convention with Hannah, my fellow English major and Hannah officer friend from college, and we had a blast. Spending the days listening to fellow book lovers talk about themes in classic literature and exploring Cincinnati’s bookstores lived up to my expectations. But as with anything in life, I realized after further reflection that I have a lot to learn about the art of conference attending. Here are some areas I learned I need to improve on from my 1st conference experience. I did not realize how packed the conference schedule was. Some days, we were in the conference center at 10a.m. and left approx. at 7:30 p.m I am not sure about timing . Sure, there are breaks for lunch and dinner, but it’s really hard when you’re an overachiever to feel like you can skip a session if you need a rest. I felt like I needed to attend every session and topics because I paid to be there and it would be a waste of time and money to not get the most out of the experience. But…that’s pretty taxing, especially when you’re an introvert who melts a little just from being around people. At future conferences, I’m going to be a little more strategic about planning breaks ,lunch ,snack throughout the day, even if it means skipping a session to sit alone in a corner somewhere and refresh. And in future I will come with full planning and strategic. In future when ever I Atten any conferences I come two days before conferences because that was my first conferences so I feel some messy timing and I was feeled so tired because conference morning I reached hotel morning 7a.m and I don’t have time to rest my self I just fresh up and ready for conference then I go for conference so I feel more tired .Always Atten which conference topics which you have some knowledge otherwise you have to confused little much .because all have other opination . You will know a lot about things in your field that will be new to you. These could be new agenda , new types of gadgets , unpublished data, or learn from thought-leaders that you may not have previously heard of. You will get to keep onto of the research of some of th e biggest names in your field, in addition to some of the newest faces in it. Conferences give you the opportunity to talk to these people one-on-one about what they are working on, and they may even give you advice on how to enhance your own work. You have the opportunity to ask presenters questions about their work and the rationale behind it, which you can’t do when reading journal articles. You have chance to connect many people our explore your idea. I am attach with many people those who attend conference with me .we are now a good friend and good business partner .now we are extended our business and we get more knowledge in obesity and we are planning to expand this and we give my people to opportunity to express there view there view is really beneficial for us and for our research also.