Prevalence Of Overweight, Obesity And Physical Activity Levels Of Healthcare Practitioners In Umuahia, Abia State

ABSTRACT

This was a cross sectional study carried out to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among health practitioners. A total of 353 health workers (comprising 197 males and 156 females) were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data on socio economic characteristics and dietary habits were collected using a structured questionnaire, while physical activity levels were determined using IPAQ-SF questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, hip and waist circumferences were taken using standard measurements. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, Chi-square, means and standard deviation with SPSS version 20.0. From the result, about 44.2% earned between N100,001-N200,000 a month. About 68.9% skipped breakfast due to time constraint. Pastries, carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages were consumed by 61.8%, 54.9% and 41.9% twice a week, respectively. Many (45.3%) of them were moderately active. Prevalence of overweight and obesity according to BMI, waist height ratio, waist circumference and WHR classification were (41.1% and 20.7%, 64.3%, 34.6% and 39.7%) of the health practitioners. Females had significantly high waist circumference (χ2= 353.000; p=0.000), while males were significantly more obese than females (χ2= 353.000; p= 0.000) (p<0.05). Significant relationship was found between physical activity levels and sex (χ2=6.152; p=0.046), but no significant relationship was observed between the different health practitioners (χ2=4.755; p=0.313). Significant factors associated with BMI status were monthly income (χ2=18.560; p=0.005), ethnic group (χ2=14.136; p=0.028) and household size (χ2=10.374; p=0.035). It is important to maintain a healthy dietary habit and positive lifestyle pattern by engaging in regular physical activities at least 30 minutes a day.