ABSTRACT

This cross sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of obesity amongst adolescents in boarding schools in some selected Local Government Areas of Enugu state. A total of 380 adolescent students (183 males and 197 females) were randomly selected using multistage sampling techniques from thirty different secondary schools, out of which four were used. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect information on the socioeconomic status, dietary habits and frequency of consumption of different foods. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, Version 20) and WHO anthroplus package to assess their BMI-for-age and height-for-age status. Majority (75.8%) were within the age of 15-17 years, 36.8% and 28.4% were given N3000- N4999 and N5000-N6999, respectively as pocket money. Food habits of participants indicated that 69.4% skipped breakfast. The common provisions students took back to school were gala, cake, chin-chin (22%); biscuits (17.7%) and tea with milk (17.2%).  Only 53.9% were served fruits in the school refectory. Body mass index (BMI) for age of participants showed that 4.7% were underweight and 2.1% were overweight. Similarly, 5% were stunted while 1.6% was very tall. Sex of the students significantly determined their BMI-for-age (x2 =0.125; p=0.015). However, other variables such as age, parents’ educational status, occupation, frequent intake of provision and fruits were not significantly related to their height-for-age and BMI-for-age. Prevalence of overweight, underweight and stunting was low in this study. However, effort should be made to ensure that fruits and vegetable alongside healthy snacks and pastries are given to the students.