Abstract
BackgroundChildhood overnutrition is a serious public health problem, with consequences that extend into adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among school-age children in two urban settings in Ghana.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 3089 children (9–15 years) recruited between December 2009 and February 2012 in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Socio-demographic, dietary, and physical activity data were collected using pretested questionnaires. BMI-for-age z-scores were used to categorize anthropometric data of the children as thin, normal, or overweight/obese. Determinants of overweight were examined using multiple logistic regressions.ResultsSeventeen percent of children were overweight or obese. Children who reported lower participation (< 3 times/week) in sports activity were 44% more likely to be overweight or obese (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.94). Maternal tertiary education (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.42), higher household socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.06), and attending private school (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.32) were also associated with elevated risk of overweight and obesity.ConclusionsPhysical inactivity is a modifiable independent determinant of overweight or obesity among Ghanaian school-aged children. Promoting and supporting a physically active lifestyle in this population is likely to reduce risk of childhood overnutrition.
Highlights
Childhood overnutrition is a serious public health problem, with consequences that extend into adulthood
The current increasing prevalence of overweight has been partly attributed to the nutrition transition which is characterised by systemic societal changes such as increased urbanization, industrialization, trade liberalization, and economic growth
In conclusion, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-going children living in urban areas in Ghana was high
Summary
Childhood overnutrition is a serious public health problem, with consequences that extend into adulthood. The current increasing prevalence of overweight has been partly attributed to the nutrition transition which is characterised by systemic societal changes such as increased urbanization, industrialization, trade liberalization, and economic growth. All these changes influence the food system in ways that fuel behavior changes linked with increased energy-dense food consumption and reduced. Urban-dwelling children do not consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables, and have more access to energy-dense foods high in fat, sugar and salt, including out-of-home, readyto-eat meals and snacks [11]. In urban Benin, out-ofhome prepared foods contributed more than 40% of the daily energy intake of school-going adolescents; those who consumed more than 55% of energy out of home
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