Obesity and Associated Factors among In-school Adolescents in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies show that obesity is one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century and its prevalence in adolescents is currently on the increase. In many developing countries, this toll is increasing and is seen as a challenge to the health care system. In Africa, the estimated prevalence of obesity increased from 4% in 1990 to 7% in 2011 and it is expected to reach 11% in 2025. Evidence has shown that obesity in the adolescent age group is significantly associated with increased risk of premature mortality in adulthood. The findings of the study will inform pro-active measures that will curb the risk of diseases associated with obesity in the later life of adolescents. To determine the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors amongst in-school adolescents in Port Harcourt Metropolis.This was a cross-sectional study involving adolescents aged 10-19 years attending secondary schools in Port-Harcourt, recruited using a stratified multistage sampling technique. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information about the subjects' socio-demographic characteristics. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from the measured weight and height. We defined obesity as BMIfor-age z-score > 2SD for age and sex using the WHO 2007 reference standards. The prevalence of obesity was obtained and its associated risk factors calculated using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Atotal of 1428 adolescents were enrolled with a mean age of 14.30 + 2.04 years and a M:F ratio of 1:1.5. The prevalence of obesity was 5.4%. Presence of obesity was significantly associated with being in the early adolescent age-group of 10-14 years (7.4%; p=0.001). There was no significant relationship between the presence of obesity and other socio-demographic variables assessed (sex, socio-economic status and family structure; p>0.05). There is a high prevalence of obesity among school-going adolescents in Port-Harcourt metropolis, especially in the early adolescent group. It is recommended that adolescents undergo routine screening as part of the School Health Program for early detection and management of obesity and its related morbidities.