Rural-urban differentials in child body mass index over time

BACKGROUND: The body mass index is a simple index based on weight and height that can be used to screen children and adults for potential weight problems. The objective of this study was to investigate urban-rural variations in child BMI and its distribution from 2006 to 2016 in four low and middle-income countries. METHODS: This study used data from the Young Lives prospective cohort study conducted in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam to assess the BMI change for children aged 5 to 15 between 2006 and 2016. We adopted a mixed-effect model to analyze the data. RESULTS: The study revealed substantial changes and rises in BMI in Vietnam, Peru, India, and Ethiopia between 2006 and 2016. Peru had the highest BMI changes in both urban-rural areas. A low BMI was observed in Ethiopia and India. Urban-rural differences had a significant role in determining BMI variation. In urban Ethiopia, the mean BMI increased from 14.56 kg/m(2) to 17.52 kg/m(2,) and in rural areas, it increased from 14.57 kg/m(2) to 16.67 kg/m(2). Similarly, in urban Vietnam, the BMI increased from 16 kg/m(2) to 20.3 kg/m(2,) and in rural areas, it increased from 14.69 kg/m(2) to 18.93 kg/m(2). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed an increase in BMI changes in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam from 2006 to 2016. Urban-rural differences have a significant contribution to determining BMI variation.