Prevalence of overweight and obesity among the staff (25-70 years) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus

Abstract

Background: The upsurge of overweight and obesity among adult workforce has become an epidemic and public health concern globally, contributing to low productivity, high medical cost and increase risk of non-communicable diseases and death.

Objective: The study assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus.

Methods: This study adopted a cross sectional study design. A total of 1470 academic and non- academic staff of the university aged 25–70 years were randomly selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire which elicited information on the socio-demographic and dietary pattern. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured and used to derive indices (body mass index and waist/hip ratio) which were compared with the WHO reference standard for age. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and presented as descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to assess the relationships, with a significant level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Majority (85.4%) of the respondents skipped meals especially breakfast (55.0%), 44.6% and 40.9% skipped meal due to time constraint and not been hungry, respectively. Less than half (43.1%) exercised, 37% (35.1% of academic and 38.4% of non-academic staff) were overweight, 6.7% (6.6% of academic and 6.7% of non-academic) were obese and 21.4% males and 100.0% females were at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion: This study revealed poor dietary and lifestyle pattern, high prevalence of overweight and obesity, risk of cardiovascular diseases among the staff of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Campus.

Keywords: Overweight, obesity and university staff