Socioeconomic determinants and childhood obesity in Egypt: A secondary analysis of Egypt Demographic Health Survey, 2014

Background: Childhood obesity has posed serious public health challenge in the 21st century since it affects child physical and emotional health. The rate of childhood obesity is dramatically rising in low- and middle-income countries where Egypt is one of those countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between socio-economic determinants and childhood obesity among children under the age of five years in Egypt and report on the overall status of childhood obesity in the country. Methods: The study identifies Egypt as the study area where the target population for the study was children under five years. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were derived from the Egypt Demographic Health Survey, 2014. To determine the associations, bivariate analysis based on Pearson’s chi-squared test and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression were performed. Analysis was done using R commander and R-studio. Results: The study included a sample of 12258 children. The prevalence of obesity among children under five years of age was 4.5%. Children from the richest households had higher odds (ORadj = 1.23; 95% CI 0.83, 1.82) of child obesity compared to children from the poorest households. Children with mothers who had occupation had higher odds (ORadj = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.95,1.56) of obesity. Conclusion: The study did not establish any significant association between socioeconomic status (mother’s education, wealth index, place of residence and mother’s occupation) and childhood obesity.