Overweight/Obesity: Prevalence and Epidemiological Profile among High School Students in the District of Bamako

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight/obesity constitutes, for non-communicable diseases, a fertile ground that must be fought at all costs. So, this study aimed to describe and document the prevalence of overweight/obesity among high school students in Bamako, based on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. 

Methods: The study was cross-sectional and descriptive. The sample size was calculated using the StatCalc program of the Epi 7.2 software. Data was collected using a questionnaire on KoboCollect. Nutritional status was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO)-AnthroPlus software and analyzed with SPSS 26 software. 

Results: Among 2,400 high school students surveyed, the prevalence of excess adiposity (overweight + obesity) was 17.4% (n=418). High school students were mostly older than 17 years (61.5%). The mean BMI was 21.1 kg/m2 ± 4.2. Nutritional status differentiated normal BMI (55.3%), thinness (27.3%), overweight (12.0%), and obesity (5.4%). Charcoal was the predominant energy source (76.1%) used for cooking. Regarding sleep quality, 86.6% of students slept less than 8 hours a day. Past tobacco use was reported by 18.1% of high school students, and 8.4% currently used tobacco products. Additionally, 87.8% of students consumed energy drinks. Approximately 86.1% of the overweight/obese students skipped meals. Overweight/obesity was higher in girls (72.7%), students from private high schools (79.4%), and those who did not practice physical activity (88.3%). 

Conclusion: The high prevalence (17.4%) of overweight/obesity calls for guidelines for the promotion of good dietary practices among high school students in the district of Bamako.