Prevalence of Chidhood Obesity and Risk Factors for Childhood Obesity among Pupils in Two Basic Schools in the Tema Metropolis of the Greater Accra Region

Abstract

Obesity in childhood is a growing public health worry in numerous low-income settings; but its determinants are not conclusive. Based on a cross-sectional quantitative study encompassing a random sample of 285 in-school children aged 5-16 years, this study examines childhood obesity and factors that influence its occurence among in-school children in a Metropolitan area of Ghana. Pre-tested questionnaires and anthropometric data gathering methods were used in data collection. Descriptive, bivariate, binary and multivariate logistic regression statistical techniques were employed in analysing the data. Findings show that 43.2% of the children were obese. Obesity in childhood was higher in private school (46.8%) than public school (41.4%) children. Predictors of childhood obesity included age (aOR = 6.07; 95% CI = 1.17 – 31.45; p = 0.025), having a father whose highest education is ‘secondary’ (aOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.09 – 8.08; p = 0.032), or ‘tertiary’ (aOR = 3.46; 95% CI = 1.27 – 9.42; p = 0.015), and consumption of fizzy drinks most days of the week (aOR = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.24 – 6.52; p = 0.014). Factors that were associated with lower obesity risks included engaging in sport at least 3 times per week (aOR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.33 – 0.96; p = 0.034), and sleeping for more than 8 hours per day (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.19 – 0.79; p = 0.009). School-based interventions such as physical education are needed to promote healthy lifestyles among in-school children. Keywords: Childhood Obesity, BMI, In-School Children, Lifestyle, Eating Behaviour, Sedentary Behaviour, Ghana.