Association of health and nutrition challenges on school children in Kibaha, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: School children in peri-urban Tanzania face a dual burden of malnutrition, including undernutrition and overweight, compounded by limited health knowledge, suboptimal hygiene practices, and varying family support. Understanding these factors is critical for developing effective school-based interventions. This study aims to examine nutrition status, and health behaviors of school children in Kibaha and evaluate associations with demographic, familial, and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 children aged 10–13 years. Data was collected using structured questionnaires adapted from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey and supplemented with physical health examinations. Health practices, interpersonal relations, family environment, and health knowledge were assessed. The correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations with covariates. Results: Among participants, prevalence was 26.9% underweight, 67.8% normal weight, and 5.3% overweight/obese. Health practices were positively correlated with family environment (r = 0.101, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with health knowledge (r = –0.208, P < 0.01). Regression indicated that grade level (β = –0.154, P = 0.010) and socioeconomic status (β = 0.035, P = 0.032) were significant predictors of health practices, while gender (β = 0.111, P = 0.049) influenced health knowledge. Conclusion: The coexistence of undernutrition and overweight underscores the dual burden of malnutrition in this population. School-based interventions integrating nutrition education, hygiene promotion, and psychosocial support are urgently needed. Programs should be tailored to local socioeconomic conditions, involve families, and reinforce healthy behaviors throughout education to promote long-term health, cognitive development, and well-being in peri-urban Tanzanian children. © 2025 Korean Society of Global Health.