Socio-demographic and economic factors associated with unhealthy food consumption among women of reproductive age in Tanzania: a nationwide cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: The rising consumption of unhealthy foods, characterized by high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, poses significant health risks to women. Urbanization and globalization have shifted dietary patterns, leading many people to opt for processed and fast foods over traditional, nutrient-rich meals. This trend contributes to increased rates of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, particularly among women of reproductive age. OBJECTIVE: To determine the socio-demographic and economic factors associated with unhealthy food consumption among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. METHODS: The study analyzed secondary data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. The study included a weighted sample of 15,254 women of reproductive age. The "svy" command in Stata was used to assign the sample weight. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify significant factors associated with unhealthy food consumption, with significance set at a 5% level. RESULTS: The overall unhealthy food consumption among women of reproductive was 14% (95% CI: 12.9, 15.2). The study found that women residing in urban areas (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.61), women with secondary education (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.36, 2.17), higher education (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.73, 3.31), women from middle quintile (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.73), and rich quintile (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.92, 3.05), married women (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.75, 1.00), women who listened to radio (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.34), watching television (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.40), having 0-2 children (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.58) were significantly associated with unhealthy food consumption. CONCLUSION: The study found that overall unhealthy food consumption among women of reproductive age was 14%. This was associated with place of residence, education level, wealth status, listening to radio, watching television and number of children. The study recommends implementation of community-based nutritional education programs focusing on healthy eating habits, particularly targeting urban areas where unhealthy food consumption is higher as well as utilize mass media platforms to disseminate information about healthy dietary habits.