An Exploratory Study of Physical Activity and Over-Weight in Two Senior High Schools in the Accra Metropolis
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Date
2013-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ghana Medical Journal
Abstract
Background: Overweight and physical inactivity are
major risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
However, little evidence on physical activity, and
overweight exists to support intervention in specific
sub-populations including adolescents in low-income
settings like Ghana. This study aimed at estimating
overweight and determining the pattern and level of
physical activity among senior high school students in
the Accra Metropolis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the
Accra Metropolis, among senior high school students,
ages 15 to 19 years. Participants were selected using a
two-stage cluster sampling technique. Structured questionnaire
and anthropometric measurement were employed
to gather information for the study. Students
were considered as overweight if their Body Mass Index
(BMI) ≥ +1SD, and obese if BMI ≥ +2SD.
Results: Out of 444 students, 17% were classified as
engaging in low level physical activity, 49% in moderate
activity, and 34% in high level of physical activity.
Much of the activity in boys was recreational while
among girls, was due to domestic chores. The prevalence
of overweight was 11.7%. Overweight prevalence
was higher among female students (15.6%) compared
to 4.5% in males. Furthermore the risk of overweight
was lower among students who engaged in high
physical activity than those engaged in low activity.
Overweight was independently associated with physical
activity (p=0.01), sex (p=0.001) and age (p=0.01),
after controlling for age sex and physical activity and
diet.
Conclusion: Majority of students in the study engaged
in moderate to high physical activity. The prevalence
of overweight was 11.7%. Physical activity was significantly
related to overweight among students in the
study.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Overweight, Physical Activity, School, Adolescent, Diet, Ghana