Project Materials

EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNIZATION STATUS OF CHILDREN IN A RURAL SUBURB OF ANAMBRA STATE

ABSTRACT

Childhood overweight and obesity are a health risk and a growing public health concern. The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the factors that influence it, among secondary school students in Ekwulobia, Anambra state, Nigeria. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited at random using a multistage sampling process. The study included 250 students aged 12 to 19 from three schools. The weights were measured using a calibrated mechanical weighing scale. Heights were measured using a hard metre rule. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was utilised to obtain information about their physical activity, food preferences, and parents’ occupations. The average age of the pupils was 15.6 years ± 1.75. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among them was 5.6% and 3.2%, respectively. Females were more overweight than males (7.8% against 3.3%), as well as more obese (4.6% versus 1.7%). Obesity was most prevalent among people aged 18 to 20 (5.6%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity combined significantly greater in private schools (10.7%) than in public schools (6.0%). Obesity was associated with frequent consumption of soft drinks, meat pies, biscuits, and sweets, as well as frequent television watching (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). Occasional physical activity increased obesity (P<0.05). A gradual increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity was discovered. However, these remain far lower than in wealthy countries. Sedentary lifestyles and poor food habits are key contributors. This is a huge public health concern. Therefore, I recommend the following: Health education in schools and media efforts are required.