An Exploratory Study of Physical Activity and Over Weighti Two Senior High Schools in The Accra Metropolis

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 ques tionnaire and anthropometric measurement were em ployed to gather information for the study. Students were considered as overweight if their Body Mass In dex (BMI) ≥ +1SD, and obese if BMI ≥ +2SD. Results: Out of 444 students, 17% were classified as engaging in low level physical activity, 49% in moder ate 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 preva lence of overweight was 11.7%. Overweight preva lence was higher among female students (15.6%) com pared to 4.5% in males. Furthermore the risk of over weight was lower among students who engaged in high physical activity than those engaged in low activity. Overweight was independently associated with physi cal 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 sig nificantly related to overweight among students in the study.