Prevalence and Predictors of Adolescent Overweight/Obesity in a Semi-Urban Area, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Background/aim: Obesity is one of the most pressing yet often under-addressed public health concerns worldwide. Initially a problem of developed countries, its prevalence has now increased globally with its attendant consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of overweight/obesity among secondary school adolescents in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Study Design:  A cross-sectional analytical study was done. Place and Duration of Study:  This study was conducted in public and private secondary schools in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State Nigeria between March and May 2024. Methodology: Data collection from 877 adolescents aged 10-19 years was by questionnaires containing questions on their socio-demographic characteristics, diet and physical activity pattern. Weight/height were taken using standard measures, their body mass indices (BMI) were obtained and compared with the World Health Organisation’s BMI z-scores for age and sex. Data were summarised as means and standard deviations for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to determine the significant risk factors for obesity. The level of significance was set at P <.05. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 9.0% and that of obesity was 6.3% giving a combined prevalence of 15.3% for overweight/obesity. After bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, the associated significant predictors of overweight/obesity in this study were female gender (AOR = 1.79, P=.04), high socioeconomic status of parents (AOR = 6.14, P=.001), private school attendance (AOR = 3.69, P=.02) and having 1 or 2 children (AOR = 2.78, P=.03). Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity in this study is high and the associated predictors are not far-fetched. Concerted efforts from the family, school and community in form of public health awareness on overweight/obesity, enforcement of mandatory physical exercises and other interventions are needed to reduce this global epidemic to the barest minimum.