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. 2023 Aug 22;23(1):412.
doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04241-5.

Rural-urban differentials in child body mass index over time

Senahara Korsa Wake  1 , Temesgen Zewotir  2 , Gizachew Gobebo Mekebo  3 , Yemane Hailu Fissuh  4
Affiliations

Rural-urban differentials in child body mass index over time

Senahara Korsa Wake et al. BMC Pediatr. .

Abstract

Background: The body mass index is a simple index based on weight and height that can be used to screen children and adults for potential weight problems. The objective of this study was to investigate urban-rural variations in child BMI and its distribution from 2006 to 2016 in four low and middle-income countries.

Methods: This study used data from the Young Lives prospective cohort study conducted in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam to assess the BMI change for children aged 5 to 15 between 2006 and 2016. We adopted a mixed-effect model to analyze the data.

Results: The study revealed substantial changes and rises in BMI in Vietnam, Peru, India, and Ethiopia between 2006 and 2016. Peru had the highest BMI changes in both urban-rural areas. A low BMI was observed in Ethiopia and India. Urban-rural differences had a significant role in determining BMI variation. In urban Ethiopia, the mean BMI increased from 14.56 kg/m2 to 17.52 kg/m2, and in rural areas, it increased from 14.57 kg/m2 to 16.67 kg/m2. Similarly, in urban Vietnam, the BMI increased from 16 kg/m2 to 20.3 kg/m2, and in rural areas, it increased from 14.69 kg/m2 to 18.93 kg/m2.

Conclusions: The findings showed an increase in BMI changes in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam from 2006 to 2016. Urban-rural differences have a significant contribution to determining BMI variation.

Keywords: Body mass index; Longitudinal data; Mixed-effect; Rate of changes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Changes in mean BMI over time by living area from 2006 to 2016
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Changes in mean BMI over time by living area and sex from 2006 to 2016
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Changes in mean BMI over time by urban and rural areas in four countries from 2006 to 2016
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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