Adolescent Development, Stunting, Undernutrition
Conditions
Brief summary
Africa faces rapid urbanization, has the second highest population growth rate, makes up one-fifth of the world's youth population, and experiences stagnant rates of undernutrition. These challenges point to the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This cross-sectional study examined disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among 1125 adolescents in Tanzania. Rural-urban disparities in nutritional status were significant and gendered. Findings confirm place of residence as a key determinant of BAZ, HAZ, and stunting among adolescents in Tanzania. Targeted gender-sensitive interventions among adolescents, particularly in rural areas, are needed to limit growth faltering and improve health outcomes.
Detailed description
Africa faces rapid urbanization, has the second highest population growth rate, makes up one-fifth of the world's youth population, and experiences stagnant rates of undernutrition. These challenges point to the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This cross-sectional study examined disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among 1125 adolescents in Tanzania. Pearson's chi-square tested associations between rural/urban residence and undernutrition (BAZ \<-2SD), stunting (HAZ \<-2SD), anthropometric, socioeconomic, and health indicators. Multivariate linear regression identified predictors of BAZ and HAZ. Funding: UNICEF/ Tanzania; United States National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH66801).
Interventions
OTHERCross-sectional study/no intervention
Cross-sectional study/no intervention.
Sponsors
UNICEF
Harvard University
Tufts University
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Study design
Observational model
ECOLOGIC_OR_COMMUNITY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 14 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adolescents between 10 and 14 years of age
Exclusion criteria
* Adolescents living away from the districts and not physically present at the time of the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Mass Index for age and gender z-scores | Two measures collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | Weight (Kg)/Height (M) squared compared to the WHO growth reference standard |
| Height for age and gender z-scores | Two measures collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | Height in meters for age and gender compared to the WHO growth reference standard |
| Undernutrition | Height and weight measures collected twice consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | Body Mass Index for age and gender z-scores \< -2SD of the WHO growth reference standard |
| Stunting | Two measures of height in meters collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | Height (M) for age and gender z-scores \< -2SD of the WHO growth reference |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed