Gender Difference and Correlates of Physical Activity Among Urban Children and Adolescents in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Studies indicate that children and adolescent populations in most countries show a low level of physical activity (PA) and an increasing prevalence of obesity. Addressing gender disparity in PA is the main element of public health programs. There is currently a paucity of studies, particularly, in developing countries that investigate gender differences and correlates of PA among children and adolescents. Objective: The study is aimed to assess the gender difference and correlates of PA among children and adolescents in Ethiopia. Methods: An observational population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in representative samples of children and adolescents in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Multivariable logistic regression models with robust estimation of SEs were fitted to predict the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results: A total of 632 children and adolescents-parent dyads were included in the study. More boys than girls (17.0 and 11.7%) were engaged in moderate intensity PA 3 days a week or more (p = 0.057). Age, mothers working in a private business, attending public schools, longer sleep duration, and being taught the benefits of PA were positively associated with meeting moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in both sexes combined and in a sub-sample of boys. Furthermore, an inverse association was found between overweight/obesity and MVPA in the overall children and girls as well. For moderate PA (MPA); the age of the children, maternal education and occupation, school type, overweight/obesity, and sleep duration on school nights were significant correlates among the studied children. Conclusions: The present study provided evidence of several correlates identified associated with meeting MVPA and MPA in both sexes combined. Girls are less likely than boys to engage in PA. Therefore, there is a need to take into perspectives the provision of a comprehensive multifaceted health behavior modification and interventions, such as focused and regular physical education in schools.

Predictors of pediatric tuberculosis in public health facilities of Bale zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is among the top ten cause of death (9th) from a single infectious agent worldwide. It even ranks above HIV/AIDS. It is among the top 10 causes of death among children. Globally there are estimates of one million cases of TB in children, 76% occur in 22 high-burden countries among which Ethiopia ranked 8th. Despite this fact, children with TB are given low priority in most national health programs. Moreover reports on childhood TB and its predictors are very limited. Therefore this study aimed to assess predictors of pediatric Tuberculosis in Public Health Facilities. METHODS: Unmatched case control study among a total samples of 432 (144 cases and 288 controls) were done from August to December 2016 in Bale zone, South East Ethiopia. Pediatric TB patients who attended health facilities for DOTS and those who attended health facilities providing DOTS service for any health problem except for TB were the study population for cases and controls, respectively. For each case two consecutive controls were sampled systematically. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaire through face to face interview with parents. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of Tuberculosis. RESULT: Among cases there were equal number of male and female 71(50%). However among control 136 (47.9%) were male and the rest were female. The mean (standard deviation) of age among cases was 8.4 (±4.3) and controls were 7.3 (±4.1). The odds of TB were 2 times (AOR, 95% CI = 1.94(1.02-3.77)) more likely among 11-15 age group children when compared with children of age group ≤5. HIV status of the child, children who were fed raw milk and absence of BCG vaccination were the other predictors of pediatric TB with AOR 13.6(3.45-53.69), 4.23(2.26-7.88), and 5.46(1.82-16.32) respectively. CONCLUSION: Children who were not BCG Vaccinated were at risk of developing TB. Furthermore, HIV status, age of the child and family practice of feeding children raw milk are the independent predicators of pediatric TB in the study area.

Is inadequate play area in schools associated with overweight among students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia? A comparative cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of childhood obesity has more than doubled since it was formally recognized as a global epidemic in 1997. With the increasingly dwindling space for private schools in Ethiopia, unresolved concerns exist among the public regarding the possible effect of limited play areas in schools on overweight/obesity. This study intended to determine and compare the levels of overweight/obesity among adolescents in private schools with and without adequate play area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A school-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,276 adolescents. Twenty private schools were grouped into 2 groups based on the size of the play area. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements and analyzed using descriptive statistical tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: The magnitude of overweight/obesity was significantly higher in schools with inadequate play area (19.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16.4 to 22.7) than in schools with adequate play area (14.6%; 95% CI, 11.9 to17.5). Inadequacy of the play area was also positively associated with overweight/obesity in the multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.51). Using private car transportation to and from school (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.13 to 4.57), father's educational status (secondary school and above: OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.62), and middle wealth quintile (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.50 to 4.33) were other factors significantly associated with overweight/obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate play area in schools was an important contributor to overweight/obesity. Sedentary behavior was also significantly associated with overweight/obesity.