SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
Not a member yet
11873 research outputs found
Sort by
Status and trends in the international wildlife trade in Chameleons with a focus on Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticlesChameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive group of reptiles, mainly found in
Africa, which have high local endemism and face significant threats from the international
wildlife trade. We review the scale and structure of international chameleon trade, with a
focus on collection in and exports from Tanzania; a hotspot of chameleon diversity. Analysis
used data from the CITES Trade Database 2000–2019, combined with assessment of
online trade, and on-the-ground surveys in Tanzania in 2019. Between 2000 and 2019,
1,128,776 live chameleons from 108 species were reported as exported globally, with
193,093 of these (from 32 species) exported by Tanzania. Both global and Tanzanian cha-
meleon exports declined across the study period, driven by decreased trade in generalist
genera. Whilst the proportion of captive-bred individuals increased across time for the gen-
eralist taxa, the majority of range-restricted taxa in trade remained largely wild-sourced. For
Tanzanian exports, 41% of chameleons were from one of the 23 endemic species, and 10
of the 12 Tanzanian endemic species in trade are categorised as threatened with extinction
by IUCN. In terms of online trade, of the 42 Tanzanian species assessed, there was evi-
dence of online sale for 83.3% species, and 69% were actively for sale with prices listed.
Prices were on average highest for Trioceros species, followed by Kinyongia, Rieppeleon,
Rhampholeon, and Chameleo. Field work in Tanzania provided evidence that the historic
harvest of endemic chameleon species has been higher than the quantities of these species
reported as exported by Tanzania in their annual trade reports to CITES. However, we
found no field evidence for trade in 2020 and 2021, in line with Tanzanian regulations that
applied a blanket ban on all exports of live wild animals. Literature evidence, however, sug-
gests that illegal trade continued to Europe from seizures of Tanzanian chameleon species
in Austria in 2021
Disparities in water accessibility in primary schools: insights from Mvomero District, Tanzania
No full textInternational Journal of Education and Social Science Research (IJESSR) 7 (5): pp. 126-141Water is a crucial need in schools as it supports healthy practices and other important school activities.
This study investigates water availability situation in primary schools of Mvomero district of Tanzania.
The study utilized a descriptive design. A sample of four primary schools was selected, and data were
gathered from 300 students and 23 teachers using questionnaires. The study utilized various aspects as
indicators for water scarcity condition including accessibility by distance, sufficiency for various
activities, water infrastructures conditions and cleanliness of the water provided at school. Findings
revealed disparities in water availability across different schools. 2 of the sampled schools had water
scarcity whereas the other 2 had no water scarcity. Schools with water scarcity obtained water from
longer distances, infrastructures were not functional, water for various activities was not sufficient and
the water was not clean unlike schools with no water scarcity. It was recommended that investments
in water infrastructure construction and maintenance should be prioritized in the affected schools.
Also, training on water management practices and engaging local communities to support schools with
scarcity could serve as important initiatives towards dealing with this problem
Assessment of physical status of the irrigation structures in Nyarubogo irrigation scheme, Rwanda
No full textJournal articleThe physical status of irrigation structures holds immense importance in ensuring the efficient and sustainable management of water
resources for agricultural purposes. This study aimed to assess the physical status of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme structures,
which has implications for the level of performance of this irrigation scheme. Specifically, the study assessed the effectiveness of the
irrigation infrastructures in terms of intake efficiency, canal physical condition, and command area development. Cross sectional
study design was employed, and units for the study were randomly selected to be included in this study. Observation method were
used to characterize the physical condition of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme while questionnaire survey were used to collect data
on the implication of socioeconomic characteristics on the performance, and effectiveness of irrigation system. The collected data
were fitted to the irrigation structures assessment approaches suggested by Bos, Zende and Nagarajan. Analysis of farmer’s
responses was through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 27). This study evaluated the physical status of about
130 irrigation structures in Nyarubogo irrigation scheme. The structures included 7 division boxes, 73 water drops, 2 aqueducts,
42 turnouts, 4 bridges, and 2 Culverts. Overall, the scheme had an effectiveness of 63.8%, with culverts, bridges, and water drops
presenting more than the average functional condition of 64.38%, 75.00%, and 100.00%, respectively. The intake efficiency during
this study was found to be 67% accumulated from efficiencies of sediment level (20%), embankment (35%), and sluice gate (12%)
based on their weightage percentage and rank scores. The overall canal condition was good and was quantified to 70%. The
command area development was exhibiting subpar performance, registering a mere 32% effectiveness. Moreover, the study
evaluated how farmers' socio-economic status influenced the inadequate maintenance of the Nyarubogo irrigation systems. It
uncovered numerous elements contributing to this dilemma: there was limited engagement of women and youth in agricultural
pursuits, low educational attainment, challenges surrounding land ownership (specifically, land tenure), the small size of land
holdings per household and a notable absence of government incentives for maintenance efforts. These factors, however, when
coupled with inadequate funds derived from water fees, significantly obstruct the proper care of these irrigation infrastructures. On
the other hand, high runoff due to heavy rainfall was mentioned by the majority of farmers (20.7%) among the primary causes of
poor maintenance of irrigation structures. Generally, the evaluation of the Nyarubogo irrigation system structures emphasizes the
uneven levels of efficacy and challenges, highlighting the necessity of focused maintenance efforts and enhanced water management
techniques.Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzani
Compliance level and stability of micronutrients in fortified maize flour in Tanzania
No full textHindawi International Journal of Food Science
Volume 2024, 11 pagesMaize flour fortification was introduced in Tanzania in 2011 to address the risk of micronutrient deficiency to children,
adolescents, and women of childbearing age. Fortified maize flours are processed by small-scale processors who are exempted
from mandatory fortification. The current study is aimed at assessing the compliance and stability of fortified processed maize
flour with zinc, iron, and folic acid by small-scale processors in comparison to the recommended Tanzania national standards
(TZS 328). A total of 69 samples of fortified maize flour were collected at the point of production and retail outlets in Dar es
Salaam and Morogoro municipalities, Tanzania. Micronutrients (zinc and iron) were analysed using microwave plasma atomic
emission spectrometry (MP-AES), and folic acid was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The
mean concentrations of micronutrient were significantly (p < 0 05) higher at the production site compared to the retail outlet.
The amount of iron, zinc, and folic acid in the samples at the production site was 27 17 ± 1 63 mg/kg, 30 56 ± 2 01 mg/kg, and
0 69 ± 0 02 mg/kg, respectively, while it was 19 34 ± 0 97 mg/kg, 21 71 ± 1 50 mg/kg, and 0 49 ± 0 02 mg/kg for iron, zinc, and
folic acid, respectively, at the retail outlets. Only 31.6% of the assessed samples from production and 12.9% from retail outlets
complied with the recommended national standard. The stability of iron, zinc, and folic acid for the fortified maize flour stored
at room temperature (20-32°C) for six months was 95.8%, 96.9%, and 66.9%, respectively. Further investigation on the
consistency performance of the dosifier and consistency training of working in the processing unit on the requirements of
fortification standards should be done
Epidemiological study of newcastle disease virus in a live bird market in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textDegree of Master of PhilosophyVillage poultry plays a vital role in providing essential nutrition and
income for rural communities in Africa. In this context, poultry are
typically traded through live bird markets, which serve as central
trading hubs where producers connect with traders and consumers,
facilitating the flow of poultry products along the value chain. While
they serve as important trading hubs, these markets create an
environment where pathogens, like Newcastle disease virus (NDV)
and avian influenza, can easily emerge and spread. To date, half of
NDV class II genotypes have been reported in Africa (I, IV, V, VI, VII,
XI, XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, and XXI). The information on the circulating
NDV genotypes is still scarce despite the endemic nature of ND in
most countries on the African continent. Improving our
understanding of the epidemiology of NDV in live bird markets is
important for assessing the circulating genotypes, disease risks and
identifying factors that contribute to its persistence. A one-year
repeated cross-sectional study was employed to survey local
chickens at the Mawenzi live bird market in Morogoro municipality
for NDV presence, its temporal and spatial distribution, and risk
factors for NDV infection. The oro-cloacal and blood samples were
collected from 659 local chickens between June 2020 and May
2021. The sampling was conducted once every week and
questionnaires administered to the middlemen and traders at the
same time. The questionnaire targeted the information on the source
of the chickens, vaccination status, whether homes from where
chickens were bought keep mixed poultry species, transit time from
the villages to the market, time taken from collection of chickens
from the villages to arrival to the market. Newcastle disease virus
was detected by using reverse transcription real-time polymerase
chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and conventional PCR followed by
sequencing of PCR products. Twenty-three percent of 659 local
chickens sampled were positive for NDV based on PCR. Increased
odds of NDV infection were identified in chickens that had been in
the market for two or more days prior to sampling. Four significant spatiotemporal clusters of NDV-positive chickens encompassing 13
villages were detected between August and October 2020,
illustrating geographic hotspots of infection when NDV was most
prevalent. Furthermore, Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis
revealed the presence of sub-genotype VII.2. Similar to other live
bird markets, this market had enclosures with high densities of birds
of mixed species, limited biosecurity, and the presence of birds with
observable illness. Bird traders who source the chickens from the
villages, described long transit times in mixed enclosures with limited
sanitation practices without consideration of sick birds or vaccination
status prior to arriving at the live bird market. The detected sub-
genotype VII.2 has phylogenetic links to Zambian NDV strains
implying a Southeast dissemination of the virus, considering that it
was first detected in Mozambique. This study highlights the need to
invest in infrastructure and biosecurity for live bird markets as well
as training opportunities for increasing traders‘ knowledge on
hygiene, sanitation, animal welfare, and poultry biosecurity
measures. Moreover, the study underscores the need of active NDV
surveillance to determine the distribution of this NDV genotype in the
country and monitor its spread and contribution to the emergence of
new ND virus strains.Feed the Future Innovation
Lab for Genomics to Improve Poultry Projec
Trends in communication strategies through traditional medicine: responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study sought to establish trends in communication strategies through traditional
medicine in Tanzania. The study employed the descriptive content analysis design as it was crucial for
gaining insights into how language and communication strategies impact the utilization of traditional
medicine in the context of COVID-19 management in Tanzania. The study involved a comprehensive
documentary review of COVID-19 communication materials used in Tanzania to establish how
language and communication strategies impact the utilization of traditional medicine in the context of
COVID-19 management in Tanzania. Data was analyzed through the qualitative content analysis
approach.The study concludes that COVID-19 communication materials made commendable efforts to
reach the diverse linguistic communities in Tanzania, taking into account the country's linguistic
diversity. Kiswahili and English emerged as the dominant languages, which aligns with the linguistic
distribution of the population. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures access to information.
The materials demonstrated effective translation and interpretation, highlighting a commitment to
accurate translation and cultural sensitivity. It is advisable to incorporate multiple languages, including
local languages, to make the campaigns more accessible and relatable to linguistically diverse
communities in Tanzania. Secondly, it is imperative to maintain clear communication strategies that
empower individuals with varying levels of health literacy. Furthermore, when discussing traditional
remedies, adopting an objective approach and stressing the significance of consulting healthcare
providers for well-informed decision-making is essential. Moreover, the strategic use of visual
elements should be employed to ensure a consistent and well-structured presentation of crucial
informatio
Satisfaction and compliance to recommended management practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been increasing
primarily due to the rising of risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles and
unhealthy eating habits, resulting to overweight and obesity. Diabetes-
related complications are the major causes of morbidity and mortality
among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Changes in lifestyles and
dietary patterns are essential for the management of type 2 diabetes
mellitus, including regular physical exercises, smoking cessation,
weight management, and diet control, which help to mitigate the long-
term effects of diabetes. Patient counseling has been identified as an
important means to enhance patients' knowledge about risk factors,
lifestyle modifications, and diabetes-related complications, which can
influence adherence to recommended management practices. Little is
known on counselling practices, satisfaction of diabetes related health
care services received and adherence to recommended prevention and
management practices among type 2 diabetes patients. Thus, the
present study aimed to evaluate counseling practices, challenges and
satisfaction with the services provided among type 2 diabetes patients.
It also assessed compliance to recommended management practices
for prevention and management of the disease related complications in
selected health facilities in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A hospital-
based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023
among 140 patients, including those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for
at least 3 months and receiving healthcare services in selected diabetes
clinics. Two health facilities with diabetes clinics which are Sabasaba
Health Centre and Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, were
purposively selected to represent public health facilities with diabetes
clinics. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a
structured questionnaire that included patients' characteristics.
Additionally, a previously validated Summary of Diabetes Self-care
Activities questionnaire was used to assess patients' compliance with
recommended prevention and management practices, and a Diabetes
Clinic Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to assess services
satisfaction. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Service
Solutions, version 25. Descriptive statistics and appropriate significance
tests such as mean, frequencies, percent and standard deviations (SD) were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed
to identify factors influencing services satisfaction and those that are
associated with compliance with recommended prevention and
management practices. The study commenced after receiving ethical
approval from National Health Research Committee of the National
Institute for Medical Research. Permission to conduct this study was
also sought from the President's Office Regional Authority and Local
Government, as well as the respective regional, district, and health
facility authorities. The mean age of the respondents was 59±12 years,
with 65% (n=91) being females, and 62% (n=87) having completed
primary-level education. Almost all respondents 96% (n=135)
acknowledged receiving advice on medication and healthy diet. Advice
on adopting a healthy lifestyle was not mandatory, with approximately
one in four respondents never having received counseling on either
alcohol intake or tobacco use. Nearly half of the respondents (49%,
n=68) expressed satisfaction with the services offered. There was a
significant association between patient satisfaction and the duration of
living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4), marital
status (AOR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-4.8), and waiting time to receive services
in the healthy facility (AOR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9). Diabetes services
were mostly limited to large patient-load and shortage of trained
healthcare providers, private space and time, as well as lack of
guidelines and protocol for counseling. Findings also revealed that
among the 140 patients, 91.4% (n=128) exhibited poor or unsatisfactory
self-care practices, with an overall mean of 3.81±2.08 days per week for
diabetes management. Self-care practices with good or satisfactory
performance included non-smoking, not drinking alcohol, and using
prescribed medication, while unsatisfactory performance was observed
on the practices of self-monitoring of blood glucose and physical
activity. Multiple regression analysis indicated that having co-morbidities
(AOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.14-18.02) and being employed (AOR 4.4, 95% CI:
1.25-15.44) were independently predictive of adherence to self-care
practices. Generally, this study shows moderate satisfaction with
counseling practices and services, as well as poor compliance to
recommended prevention for complications and management practices.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose, physical exercise, and dietary
practices were the least practiced aspects, which could potentially increase the risk of complications among patients with type 2 diabetes.
The government through the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders
should ensure the formulation of clear protocol and guidelines for
counseling and diabetes prevention and management. It is further
suggested that recommended practices should be integrated into
existing healthcare systems to ensure that they become a routine part
of care
Development and rapid assessment of community based health educational package for control of taenia solium cysticercocis/taeniasis in Tanzania
No full textPhD Thesisaenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis with
significant economic and public health impacts worldwide. Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health
Organization ranked it first on the global scale of food-borne parasites. Taenia
solium cysticercosis/taeniasis (TSCT) impacts is more in developing countries,
including Tanzania, where social, economic, and cultural conditions favour its
endemicity. Community knowledge is central in successful disease control in
endemic areas. For control intervention to be effective and sustainable it
should engage the community from planning stage. The study addressed the
gap on knowledge, attitude and practices related to the disease, developed
and conducted rapid assessment of a community-based health educational
package (CHEP) for the prevention and control of TSCT in Tanzania. The
study employed a community-based mixed methods approach involving
different qualitative and quantitative approaches, using questionnaire for the
household survey from 483 selected households, in addition, household
infrastructure observations were conducted to the same 483 randomly
selected households, Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informants
Interviews (KII) were also conducted in Mbulu, Rungwe, Mbinga and
Mpwapwa districts. The information collected led to the formulation of key
messages for the development of a health education package, which
comprises four components including; a training manual for the training of
trainers (TOTs), a booklet with illustrations and instructions on how to perform
small doable actions, brochure with key messages and poster with a
tapeworm life cycle indicating the areas which can be targeted to interrupt the
transmission. The formative research method was used in the development of
the package. It is expected that the CHEP will be sustainable as it is
development engaged the community in all stages of development.
The CHEP developed was assessed in Babati district. This was done to
assess the effectiveness of the package towards improvement of community
knowledge attitude and practices towards control of TSCT. Qualitative data
were analysed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics and chi-square
test were used to analyse quantitative data including data on knowledge,
attitude, and practices. Binary logistic regression was used to examine factors
influencing socio demographic factors on knowledge and related practices,
both independent and dependent variables were used. Socio demographic
factors assessed were sex, age, district/location, education level, age group,
main source of income, period of residence in years, and Savings and Credit
Cooperative Society. The results revealed good knowledge about porcine
cysticercosis, particularly among pig keepers across the districts. Majority of
participants (48%) had heard about the pork tapeworm and the knowledge
about clinical signs/symptoms and treatment was fair, but the means of
transmission and prevention measures were often unknown. The risk
perception of the infection with the pork tapeworm was low too and a similar
trend is reflected in the attitudes toward the low-risk perception of
cysticercosis infection. Hand washing practices was also low, many
participants reported not washing their hands before eating or after using the oilet which highlights potential risks for the transmission of human
cysticercosis. Almost all participants reported using the toilet always, however,
household observations revealed that toilets were either lacking or had no
complete walls, with others showing the sign of not being used for some time.
Generally, household observations revealed a discrepancy between
responses to the questionnaire on one hand and the availability of toilet and
handwashing facilities, and the confinement of pigs on the other hand. This
highlights the importance of including household observation during data
collection. Respondents with tertiary education were more likely to have heard
of tapeworm, be aware of T. solium transmission, be aware of T. solium health
effects, and be aware of human cysticercosis transmission. Male respondents
were more likely to be knowledgeable about porcine cysticercosis
transmission. Lack of standardised education materials about the disease
might influence the quality of health education in different infected
communities. Using the gathered information, the health education package
on knowledge, attitude, and practices reported a statistically significant
improvement in knowledge regarding the link between epilepsy and
cysticercosis and in the practice of washing fruits and vegetables, however,
the long-term effect of the health educational package on knowledge, attitude,
and practices and the disease parameter need to be evaluated. This study has
revealed poor knowledge of T. solium Cysticercosis/Taeniasis with generally
better knowledge about its effects on porcine than on human health. The
limited overall knowledge, together with negative attitudes and practices may
represent an important barrier to TSCT control and elimination efforts. It is
therefore recommended to scale up the efforts of knowledge sharing with the
general population on transmission, TSCT clinical signs/symptoms, control,
treatment, and prevention in Tanzania, preferably adopting one health
approach, to improve favourable knowledge, attitude for control and eventual
eradication of TSCT. The study shows that socio-demographic factors have a
direct influence on knowledge and practices related to TSCT. Education was
the most important factor among the others and contributed significantly to the
overall models that determined knowledge and practices related to TSCT. It is
therefore, recommended that studies that include health education
interventions also consider socio-demographic factors. Another area covered
by this study was the development and rapid assessment of the health
educational package which revealed an improvement in knowledge regarding
tapeworm treatment from 61 (81.3%) pre-intervention to 76 (95.0%) post-
intervention, while the knowledge regarding condemnation of infected pork
increases from 65 (83.3%) pre-intervention to 73 (90.1%) post-intervention.
Practices about washing vegetables and fruits significantly improved
(P=0.025), while, that of pigs’ confinement increased from 45 (77.6%) pre-
intervention to 54 (88.5%) post-intervention. It is recommended that to achieve
the maximum impact of the intervention, the educational package should be
combined with other existing control strategies as well as other intervention
methods such as video, cartoons for school children, and a computer-based
health-education tool such as the vicious worm. It is also recommended that
the interventions preventing TSCT reinfection, such as improvements in
hygiene achieved through health education, are urgently required to augment
the effect of other control strategies as part of an integrated approach.Germany Federal Ministry of Education and Researc
Breeding population status and habitat preferences of white- backed vulture in Ikorongo- Grumeti Game Reserves and Ikona Wildlife Management area in Western Serengeti
No full textMSc DissertationWhite -backed vulture (Gyps africanus) is a critically endangered
species since its population has significantly declined across its
geographical ranges. Apparently, vultures provide the ecosystem
with cleaning service hence reduced risk of disease spread through
their feeding behaviour. Studying the breeding population status and
habitat of these species is of paramount importance in maintaining a
healthy population as well as managing and mitigating threats to the
species and their associated habitats.
This study aimed at investigating the breeding population status and
the nesting preferences of the Gyps africanus population in the
Ikorongo-Grumeti Game Reserves and Ikona wildlife management
area (WMA) in the western corridor of the Greater Serengeti
Ecosystem along the primary riparian zones (PRZ). The PRZ
consisted of the Grumeti, Manchira, Nyabeu, Samisami, Rokare,
Romoti, Maruru and Muyambi Rivers and their tributaries. This study
used the project historical aerial surveys data gathered from 2013 to
2021 to produce breeding population trend and conducted ground
nest surveys in 2021 and 2022 to estimate the breeding success
and nesting preferences of the species. Due to the colonial nesting
behaviour of the species, cluster analysis was used to group the
nesting hotspots as well as remote sensing analysis to assess the
tree cover in their breeding habitat.
According to results of the aerial survey data, the breeding
population in the game reserves and their contiguous WMA has
declined by 56%, and based on the active nest survey, breeding
success was 29%, that being lower than the previously documented
information for the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem which was 90%.
Individuals were found nesting along the rivers in the Ficus and
Vachellia and Senegalia woodlands. Majority of the nests (57%)
were found on Ficus sycomoras whereas the least number (1%) was
found on Ficus indica. The tree height was the most significant tree
factor for nesting tree as observed from the generelized linear
model. Nesting hotspots were classified as former or intermittent hotspots, and none were classified as persistent hotspots. Net tree
loss was observed in all hotspot categories, and a 28% reduction in
riparian tree cover was detected.
The study concludes that the Gyps africanus population in the area
is declining, parallel with dropping breeding success and
deteriorating breeding habitats. Seemingly, habitat loss/deterioration
is a driving factor, which together with other potential threats to the
population, need further investigation. Such baseline information is
of critical importance to the management and conservation efforts of
vultures and their overall breeding habitats in the ecosystem.The Grumeti Fund (GF
Nutritional status and metabolic risk factors among university students in Morogoro and Dodoma regions
No full textMSc DissertationThe transition from adolescence to adulthood coupled with the
demands of academic life often leads to significant changes in
dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors among university students.
These changes can have profound implications for their nutritional
status and metabolic health. The lifestyle choices due to
independence increases the incidence of chronic illnesses for this
sub-population. University is an opportune setting in the transition
from youth to adulthood and provides a chance to influence healthy
habits and good nutritional status. University students are important
group to target in influencing future health-promoting habits,
prevention and management of obesity which is associated with the
development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However,
information on the nutritional status and metabolic risk factors of
university students is scarce. Therefore, findings from the present
study could serve as a stepping stone in enhancing the nutritional
and healthy quality of university students. The cross-sectional study
was conducted among 247 university students in Mzumbe and Saint
John‟s Universities in Morogoro and Dodoma regions respectively.
Two Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) accredited
universities present based on agro-ecological zones. Data were
collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested
structured questionnaire that included the socio-demographic
characteristics of the population, food-frequency questionnaire and
dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and
waist circumference) were collected as well as the metabolic risk
bio-markers (blood lipid profile, blood pressure and blood glucose)
by trained medical personnel. The study commenced after receiving
approval from National Health Research Committee of the National
Institute for Medical Research. Permission to conduct this study was
also sought from each university‟s authorities. Data were managed
and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Version 26.0.
IBM Corp, 2011, Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics were generated
for each variable. The distribution of continuous variables was tested for normality using box plots and-Q plots and the Shapiro-Wilk test.
Multivariate analysis (Multiple linear regression) was used to assess
the determinants of metabolic risk factors among variables. A sub-
sample of 118 students was drawn from the total study cohort for
metabolic risk factors assessment. Students from each university
were selected randomly; 65 students from Mzumbe University and
53 students from Saint Johns' university.
The study findings revealed the overall prevalence of overweight
(44%) and obesity (11.1%) in the study population. University
students with a high dietary diversity score (consumed ≥7 food
groups) were linked with central obesity (P=0.04). The risk of
morbidity (central obesity) was significantly associated (P=0.000)
with being female and age above 25 years (P=0.001) in both
universities. Students at Saint John‟s University were significantly at
higher risk of being overweight (P=0.031) than their counterparts.
Findings from the assessed metabolic risk factors namely central
obesity, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and total
cholesterol (TC) revealed that LDL was the most prevalent metabolic
risk factor among students in both universities. The LDL levels were
(20.3%), (13.6%), (11%) and (14.4%) for above optimal, borderline
high, high and very high respectively. Students from Mzumbe
University were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia
(P=0.000). The susceptibility to LDL were found among students
who were receiving scholarship (β=21.83, SE=10.4, p=0.1) and
those with high dietary diversity (β=5.731, SE=3.14, p=0.1).
In conclusion, findings from this study revealed that university
students are at a risk of being overweight, generally obese and
centrally obese. This sub-population is also prone to a cluster of
metabolic risk factors, which according to the findings include
elevated triglyceride levels, elevated low-density lipoprotein levels
and central obesity. This indicates the necessity of enhancing the
availability of exercise and sports facilities, healthier food outlets and
implementing nutrition education intervention to empower students
in making healthy life style choices