Prevalence of overweight/obesity and associated factors in children underfive years - of age in Marrakesh, Morocco

Aim: Childhood overweight and/or obesity is becoming a significant public health problem in the 21st century. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity and its determinants among under-five children in Marrakesh, Morocco. Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used to determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among children under five years of age. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 450 children paired with their mothers. Anthropometric measurements and determinant factors were collected. SPSS version 19.0 statistical software was used for the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated to overweight/obesity in children. Statistical association was declared significant if p-value was less than 0.05.Results: In this study, the prevalences of overweight and obesity were 112 (24.9%) and 84 (18.7%), respectively. Mother's age, parental educational level and birth order were significantly associated with the problem.Discussion: The current study showed a relatively high prevalence of overweight/obesity among children under five years of age. Mother's age, parental educational level and birth order were the predictors of overweight/obesity. Therefore, nutritional educational intervention programs in Marrakesh province should focus on these factors.