Overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Mali: what are the determinants?

backgroundExisting evidence suggests that there has been a surge of overweight and obesity in low- and middle-income countries around the world. In this study we investigated the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among women in Mali.

methodsWe conducted the study among 5198 women using the 2018 Mali Demographic and Health Survey data. We used binary logistic regression for the analysis and pegged statistical significance at p<0.05.

resultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26.9%. The likelihood of overweight and obesity was high among women 40-44 y of age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.94 [confidence interval {CI} 4.10 to 8.60]), those who were widowed/divorced/separated (AOR 1.59 [CI 1.04 to 2.43]), those with secondary education (AOR 1.41 [CI 1.13 to 1.75]), richest women (AOR 3.61 [CI 2.63 to 4.95]), those who watched television at least once a week (AOR 1.28 [CI 1.07 to 1.52]) and those who lived in the Kidal region (AOR 10.71 [CI 7.05 to 16.25]). Conversely, the likelihood of overweight and obesity was low among women who belonged to other religions compared with Muslims (AOR 0.63 [CI 0.43 to 0.92]).

conclusionsThis study found a predominance of overweight and obesity among women in Mali. The study showed that age, marital status, education, religion, region of residence, wealth status and frequency of watching television are associated with overweight and obesity among women in Mali. It is therefore critical for public health promotion programs in Mali to sensitize people to the negative effects associated with overweight and obesity. This implies that policies aimed at controlling overweight and obesity in Mali must take these factors into consideration.