Abstract

Overweight and obesity is a risk factor to chronic non-communicable diseases. This study assessed level of overweight/obesity and blood pressure among students of a higher institution in Southwest Nigeria. This cross-section study involved 300 students of a public higher institution in Ado- Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on personal characteristics, feeding pattern and lifestyle of the students. Body Mass Index (BMI) was categorized into normal weight (BMI<25) and overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25). Waist circumference and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) were classified as normal and at risk. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Chi square test was used to establish relationship between variables at 5% level of significance. The mean age of the students was 22.25 years and 62.8% were above 20years. Monthly allowance less than ₦30000.00 was received by 64.4% of the students, 47.3% skipped breakfast meal, 96% consumed carbonated soft drinks and 37.1% did not engaged in physical exercise. Prevalence of general obesity was 17.1% (BMI≥25); 7% and 15.5% were at risk of abdominal and central obesity respectively. Students in systolic pre-hypertension and stage I hypertension were 33.3% and 3% respectively whereas 15.5% and 2.4% were in diastolic pre-hypertension and stage I hypertension respectively. Female gender, monthly allowance less than ₦30000.00 and adolescent stage were associated with obesity. Older age, male gender and monthly allowance less than ₦30000.00 were associated with BP. Nutrition education is recommended for this population group.

Highlights

  • Polytechnic students are mostly adolescents and young adults

  • Nutrition education is recommended for this population group

  • Such erratic eating habits in this population group may predispose them to nutritional risk that leads to the development of various non-communicable diseases including overweight and obesity

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Polytechnic students are mostly adolescents and young adults During this period, their total nutrient needs reach the highest peak and healthy eating is important to meet the increased body demands. Their total nutrient needs reach the highest peak and healthy eating is important to meet the increased body demands This is a period of risk, a period when health problems with potentially serious consequences occur. Skipping breakfast which leads to a higher level of snacking among this population group had been observed (Olumakaiye et al, 2010) Such erratic eating habits in this population group may predispose them to nutritional risk that leads to the development of various non-communicable diseases including overweight and obesity. Lifestyle practices such as consumption of alcohol and smoking are common among these young adults

Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call