Rural-urban Disparities in the Nutritional Status of Younger Adolescents in Tanzania.

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Africa faces rapid urbanization, has the second highest population growth rate, makes up one-fifth of the world's youth population, and experiences stagnant rates of undernutrition. These challenges point to the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This cross-sectional study examined disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among 1125 adolescents in Tanzania. Rural-urban disparities in nutritional status were significant and gendered. Findings confirm place of residence as a key determinant of BAZ, HAZ, and stunting among adolescents in Tanzania. Targeted gender-sensitive interventions among adolescents, particularly in rural areas, are needed to limit growth faltering and improve health outcomes.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Africa faces rapid urbanization, has the second highest population growth rate, makes up one-fifth of the world's youth population, and experiences stagnant rates of undernutrition. These challenges point to the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This cross-sectional study examined disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among 1125 adolescents in Tanzania. Pearson's chi-square tested associations between rural/urban residence and undernutrition (BAZ <-2SD), stunting (HAZ <-2SD), anthropometric, socioeconomic, and health indicators. Multivariate linear regression identified predictors of BAZ and HAZ. Funding: UNICEF/ Tanzania; United States National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH66801).

Official Title
-----------------
Rural-urban Disparities in the Nutritional Status of Younger Adolescents in Tanzania.

Conditions
-----------------
Undernutrition, Stunting, Adolescent Development

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: Cross-sectional study/no intervention


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Adolescents between 10 and 14 years of age Exclusion Criteria: Adolescents living away from the districts and not physically present at the time of the study

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 10 Years
Maximum Age: 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Urban<br>Urban adolescents living in Moshi District, Tanzania, who are between 10-14 years of age. | Other: Cross-sectional study/no intervention<br>* Cross-sectional study/no intervention.<br>|
| Rural<br>Rural adolescents living in Kilosa District, Tanzania, who are between 10-14 years of age. | Other: Cross-sectional study/no intervention<br>* Cross-sectional study/no intervention.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Body Mass Index for age and gender z-scores | Weight (Kg)/Height (M) squared compared to the WHO growth reference standard | Two measures collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | 
| Height for age and gender z-scores | Height in meters for age and gender compared to the WHO growth reference standard | Two measures collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | 
| Undernutrition | Body Mass Index for age and gender z-scores < -2SD of the WHO growth reference standard | Height and weight measures collected twice consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. | 
| Stunting | Height (M) for age and gender z-scores < -2SD of the WHO growth reference | Two measures of height in meters collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration. |