Prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Rwanda: analysis of the 2019/2020 Demographic and Health Survey.

Background: Overweight and obesity are global public health concerns, particularly among women of reproductive age. Due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes in Rwanda, these health concerns have become more prevalent. This study analyzed data from the 2019/2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among Rwandan women. Methods: This study used secondary data from 6831 women aged 15-49 years from the 2019/2020 RDHS and selected through multistage stratified sampling. Sample weights were applied to adjust for the complex survey design. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associated factors. Result: The overall prevalence of overweight or obesity among women of reproductive age in Rwanda was 26.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 25.1-27.8%]. The prevalence was higher among women aged ≥35 years (32.9%), urban residents (42.2%), those in wealthier households (35.2%), living in Kigali (42.6%) or the Eastern region (27.0%), and among those whose partners had primary (30.8%) or secondary education (46.4%). In the multivariable analysis, all these groups significantly increased odds of being overweight or obese: age ≥35 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.74; 95% CI: 1.20-2.52], urban residence (AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.46-2.56), rich wealth status (AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.52-2.49), residence in Kigali (AOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.02-2.11) or East (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.06-1.81), and partner's primary (AOR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01-1.77) or secondary education (AOR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01-2.21). Media ownership radio (28.7%, AOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.06-1.75) and mobile phone (37.3%, AOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.42-2.15) were also significantly associated with overweight or obesity. Conclusion: Factors like age, urban residence, partner's education, wealth, and media use were linked to overweight and obesity in Rwandan women. Policymakers should focus on promoting physical activity and healthier diets to address this public health issue.