Abstract
BackgroundChildhood and adolescent overweight, obesity and underweight have become an issue of grave concern to both the developed and developing countries in context of global burden of non-communicable diseases. Unhealthy weight status is a significant public health issue for developing countries, of which Ghana is not excluded. This study evaluated the prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight and its related factors among school-aged children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 1004 participants were randomly selected from six schools. A structured questionnaire on demography and socioeconomic status of students’ parents/guardians was completed by the selected students. Anthropometric parameters were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. BMI-for-age z-scores were used to categorize anthropometric data of the children as underweight, normal, overweight or obese. A cut-off value of > 0.50 was used to define obesity by WHtR.ResultsOverweight prevalence of 13.8% and 12.6 was observed among basic school and high school students respectively based on BMI classification. Obesity prevalence of 8.8% was found in basic school students and 8.9% among high school students. Underweight was observed in 114 (11.3%) basic school students and 86 (8.6%) high school students. There was a difference in sex prevalence in unhealthy weight-behaviours; with more girls being overweight (19.4% vs 7.6%, p < 0.001) and obese (10.2% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.177) compared to boys. High WHtR found in 10.5% of basic students and 5.0% of high school students, with a statistical difference. Overweight/obesity was significantly associated with taking snacks before bed among basic school students [aOR = 10.45(5.95–18)] and high school students [aOR = 10.23(5.95–18.37)] respectively. Watching TV [aOR = 0.39(0.22–0.70)], sleeping during leisure periods [aOR = 0.43(0.23–0.81)] and bicycling as a means of transport [aOR = 0.37(0.19–0.72)] to school was protective of obesity among basic school students.ConclusionHigh prevalence of unhealthy weight-related behaviours was observed among school-aged children in the Bekwai Municipality. Snacking before bed was a major factor promoting obesity among school-aged children while leisure behaviours such as TV watching, and sleeping were protective of obesity. Therefore, it is recommended to promote and support healthy eating habits among school-aged children which are likely beneficial in reducing the risk of childhood unhealthy weight-related behaviours.
Highlights
Childhood and adolescent overweight, obesity and underweight have become an issue of grave concern to both the developed and developing countries in context of global burden of non-communicable diseases
Aryeetey et al [12], in a cross-sectional study conducted among school-aged children in urban Ghana, reported an overweight/obesity prevalence of 15% and indicated that low physical activity participation was associated with overweight and obesity among school-aged children which is partly consistent with findings in this present study
A similar cross-sectional study conducted in the Tamale Metropolis in Ghana, reported prevalence rates of 9.8 and 7.5% for overweight and obesity and indicated that obesity/overweight prevalence is associated with attending a private school, high level of parental education, playing computer/video games and eating food at the school canteen [13]
Summary
Obesity and underweight have become an issue of grave concern to both the developed and developing countries in context of global burden of non-communicable diseases. Ghana’s economy is changing rapidly with an accelerated sustained economic growth which averages 8.0% per anum, and by the of 2019, Ghana’s growth target is expected to improve to 9.7% by industries, 7.3% by the agricultural sector and 6.2% as the financial sector continues to recover from its recent challenges [1]. These developmental promises are only seen in a certain part of the country, which widens the health disparities between the rich and the poor, and further burden an already overwhelmed health care system in the country. Underweight has been associated with conditions such as osteoporosis; skin, hair and teeth problems; as well as cardiovascular outcomes
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