Prevalence and correlates of obesity among primary school pupils in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria
Journal Title: International Archives of Medical and Health Research - Year 2019, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: Childhood overweight/obesity is becoming a threat to public health worldwide affecting both developed and developing countries. Information on the burden of childhood obesity and the factors associated with it is important in designing appropriate strategies for its prevention and control. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and correlates of obesity among primary school pupils in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 primary school pupils selected by multistage sampling technique. Information on the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, and their physical activity and dietary patterns were obtained with a set of structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; anthropometric assessment was also done for them. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 statistical computer software package. Results: Forty-one (17.1%) of the 240 participants were obese, close to half of them (45.4%) had normal weight, about a third (31.3%) had thinness, while a few of them (6.3%) were overweight. Physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary behavior were also very prevalent among the participants. Obesity was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the participants’ age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary behavior. Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary behavior among primary school pupils in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Government, policymakers and school administrators should design appropriate strategies for promoting healthy dietary behavior and physical activity among primary school pupils to halt the current trend.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr Zarau Bello-Ibrahim
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP658030
- DOI -
- Views 188
- Downloads 0
Correlates of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the glycemic profile of patients attending the Medical Outpatient Clinic of Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
Background: Several disease conditions and lifestyle behaviors have been identified as correlates of diabetes mellitus. Aim: This study aimed to determine the correlates of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the glycemic profi...
Awareness and prevalence of risk factors of chronic kidney disease among civil servants in Sokoto, Nigeria
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem with a high burden and cost of care, particularly in the developing countries. Prevention of CKD and its progression to end-stage renal disease i...
Pattern of dog bite injuries, dog vaccination coverage and post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies among dog owners in Sokoto, Nigeria
Background: Periodic mass dog vaccination and prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies are believed to be crucial to reducing the high burden of endemic canine rabies in the at-risk communities a...
Prevalence and correlates of obesity among primary school pupils in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria
Background: Childhood overweight/obesity is becoming a threat to public health worldwide affecting both developed and developing countries. Information on the burden of childhood obesity and the factors associated with i...
Prevalence and factors associated with treatment adherence among patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
Background: Adherence to treatment has been identified as a major predictor of survival in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and poor medication adherence has been identified as an important factor in treatment failu...