Maternal obesity in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Maternal obesity is emerging as a public health problem, recently highlighted together with maternal under-nutrition as a 'double burden', especially in African countries undergoing social and economic transition. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the current evidence on maternal obesity in Africa.



MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched (up to August 2014) and identified 29 studies. Prevalence, associations with socio-demographic factors, labour, child and maternal consequences of maternal obesity were assessed. Pooled risk ratios comparing obese and non-obese groups were calculated.



Prevalence of maternal obesity across Africa ranged from 6.5 to 50.7%, with older and multiparous mothers more likely to be obese. Obese mothers had increased risks of adverse labour, child and maternal outcomes. However, non-obese mothers were more likely to have low-birthweight babies. The differences in measurement and timing of assessment of maternal obesity were found across studies. No studies were identified either on the knowledge or attitudes of pregnant women towards maternal obesity; or on interventions for obese pregnant women.



These results show that Africa's levels of maternal obesity are already having significant adverse effects. Culturally adaptable/sensitive interventions should be developed while monitoring to avoid undesired side effects.
Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Ojochenemi J
OJ
Onubi
Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Debbi
D
Marais
Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Lorna
L
Aucott
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Friday
F
Okonofua
Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Amudha S
AS
Poobalan
D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010298:Parity; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
obesity; population-based and preventative services; pregnancy and childbirth disorders