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Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors among School-Aged Adolescents in Ghana and Uganda

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  • Karl Peltzer

    (HIV/AIDS/STI/and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
    Department of Psychology, University of Limpopo, P/B X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa)

  • Supa Pengpid

    (Department of Health System Management and Policy, University of Limpopo, PO Box 197, Medunsa 0204, South Africa)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess overweight and obesity and associated factors in school-going adolescents in low income African countries (Ghana, Uganda). The total sample included 5,613 school children aged 13 to 15 years from nationally representative samples from two African countries. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between dietary behavior, substance use, physical activity, psychosocial factors and overweight or obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined based on self-reported height and weight and the international child body mass index standards. Results indicate a prevalence of overweight or obesity of 10.4% among girls and 3.2% among boys, and 0.9% and 0.5% obesity only among girls and boys, respectively. Among girls smoking cigarettes and loneliness and among boys smoking cigarettes were found to be associated with overweight or obesity in multivariable analysis. Overweight status was not associated with the intake of fruits, vegetables, and sedentary behavior. Low prevalence rates of overweight or obesity were found in Ghana and Uganda. Smoking cessation and social programs could be integrated into strategies to prevent and treat overweight and obesity in youth.

Suggested Citation

  • Karl Peltzer & Supa Pengpid, 2011. "Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors among School-Aged Adolescents in Ghana and Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:8:y:2011:i:10:p:3859-3870:d:14182
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ellen Haug & Mette Rasmussen & Oddrun Samdal & Ron Iannotti & Colette Kelly & Alberto Borraccino & Carine Vereecken & Ole Melkevik & Giacomo Lazzeri & Mariano Giacchi & Oya Ercan & Pernille Due & Ulri, 2009. "Overweight in school-aged children and its relationship with demographic and lifestyle factors: results from the WHO-Collaborative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 54(2), pages 167-179, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael L. Wilson & Bharathi Viswanathan & Valentin Rousson & Pascal Bovet, 2013. "Weight Status, Body Image and Bullying among Adolescents in the Seychelles," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Supa Pengpid & Karl Peltzer, 2015. "Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors among School-Aged Adolescents in Six Pacific Island Countries in Oceania," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Stella K. Muthuri & Lucy-Joy M. Wachira & Allana G. Leblanc & Claire E. Francis & Margaret Sampson & Vincent O. Onywera & Mark S. Tremblay, 2014. "Temporal Trends and Correlates of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Fitness among School-Aged Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-33, March.

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