ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of obesity and its risk factors among female undergraduates In MOUAU and ABSU at Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State. Specifically the study described the socio economic and demographic characteristics of the female undergraduates in the study area, established the food consumption patterns of female undergraduates in the study area, determined the risk factors associated with obesity among the female undergraduates, assessed the physical activity levels of the female undergraduates in the study area and assessed the relationship between social economic variables and food consumption patterns as well as physical activity levels of female undergraduates in the study area. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on (345) female students selected from the two universities in Ikwuano local government area, using multi stage random sampling.  Well-designed questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic status, food consumption pattern using food frequency questionnaire, the possible risk factors and the physical activity level of the respondents. The anthropometric status was determined by measuring weight and height defined BMI according to WHO classification. The relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics, food consumption pattern and physical activity was assessed using correlation analysis and data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences also known as IBM SPSS Statistics) version 22.1.  Out of the 345 participants, 16 to 20 years representing a percentage of 35.1% participated in the research with other ages representing the rest of the percentage. The distribution according to the socio economic characteristics of the students showed that students funded by parents were dominant in the study representing 29.3%. Also, family size of 4-6 were higher in the study and representing 35.3%. Father's occupation were mostly government workers, representing 29.9% and mother's occupation were mostly traders representing 27.3%. The distribution of BMI was obtained as 20.4%, 38.8%, 14.7% and 26.1% for normal, overweight, obese and underweight respectively. Additionally, Carbohydrates and proteins were consumed 2-3 times a week by a high percentage of 63.5% and 42% respectively. Fats and oil foods were consumed by 30.7% two-three times a week. Fruits were consumed daily by the greatest percentage (38.5%) while vegetables were scarcely consumed by the highest percentage (48%). According to this research, it is safe to say that being overweight was prevalent among the students aged 16-20 years and hereditary/ genetic factors, hormonal imbalance and lifestyle were the prevailing risk factors of obesity according to this study with a dominant percentage of 16.7%, 33.9% and 32.2% respectively. This study portrays a positive relationship between the lifestyle and weight of students aged 16-20 years. Female obesity is an alarming public health problem among undergraduates. There's need for stakeholders concerned in the interest of undergraduates to introduce activities targeted at regulating the types of foods consumed by students, quality nutrition education on obesity and it's risk factors should be provided in schools. Proper awareness should be disseminated to all levels through the use of magazines, radios, fliers and public health talk. Sedentary lifestyle should not be tolerated in schools and physical activities should be taken seriously in institutions especially where obesity and overweight is prevalent.