Abstract:
Vulnerability to indoor pollution depends on the individual’s nutritional status as well as
the nature and duration of exposure. The aim of this study was to assess Body Mass Index (BMI) and
dietary diversity among kitchen workers in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A total of 360 randomly
selected kitchen workers from hotels, institutions, fast food restaurants and street food vendors were
studied in a cross-sectional study and their weight and height were measured using standard methods.
BMI was calculated and categorized using World Health Organization criteria. Information on
sociodemographic, respiratory symptom and type of fuel used was collected using a pretested
questionnaire. Dietary diversity was assessed using FAO/FANTA guideline. Data analysis was done
using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft excel version 10. Results indicate that, there were more female
kitchen workers (65.3%) who were relatively younger with mean age of (28 ± 7.6) years compared to
(32.6±7.4) years for males. About half of the kitchen workers were overweight (48%) or obese (14.7%).
Males were more overweight (52%) and obese (21.6%) compared to 46% and 11% for females
respectively. Prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among hotel workers (25%) compared to
workers of other institutions, fast food restaurants, households and food vendors; however; there was no
significant difference in BMI status with respect to type of fuel used and respiratory symptoms. About
68% consumed more than 4 food groups in a day preceding the survey. The most commonly consumed
groups were cereals, fats/oils, and sugars. Vegetable consumption was also high reported by 75% of the
respondents. Eggs, milk and fruits were the least consumed food groups reported by 3.2%, 13.5% and
38.1% of the respondents respectively. Overweight and obesity were common among kitchen workers,
surprisingly more common among males than females. Other exposure variables were not associated
with overweight and obesity. More research is needed to support the present results especially on kind
of particulate matter that are produced from kitchen fumes.
