Obesity and Weight Management

Biography

Biography: Mesfin Tafa

Abstract

Women in developing countries over their reproductive life span conceive on average six to eight children. Short inter-pregnancy intervals or early pregnancies result in maternal depletion of energy and protein and micronutrients leading to a reduction in maternal nutritional status at conception and altered pregnancy outcomes. Extending birth spacing would presumably provide the women the time to replenish their nutrient stores. A community based quantitative comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in three kebeles randomly selected at Tena Woreda, Arsi Zone, Oromiya region in 2013. Prior to the study family planning users (MFPM) and non-users for at least one year were identified and registered. A total of 360 sampled subjects were enrolled using systematic random sampling. To see the effect of ever modern family planning method use on the nutritional status of women, both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. Multicollinearity was assessed before the analysis was done. The mean height, weight, MUAC and BMI of the respondents were 156.7±5.5 (NFP 155.9±5.2 vs. FP157.5±5.6), 50.0±7.2 (NFP 47.4 ±6.1 vs. FP 52.6±7.4), 23.4±2.9 (NFP 22.3±2.4 vs. FP 24.5±2.9) and 20.3±2.4 (NFP 19.4±2.1 vs. FP 21.1±2.4), respectively and the difference noted between the groups was significant. The prevalence of underweight was significantly higher among women who did not use family planning than family planning users. Continuous supply of modern family planning with different range is important for improvement of women’s nutritional and health status. Other than this, it is equally important to empower women and to have access for increased dietary intake during the different reproductive life span