Pattern of Overweight and Obesity Among Secondary School Students in Benue State of Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of The Study
Generally, the study is set to determine the pattern of overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Benue state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study is aimed at;
- Identifying the factors influencing childhood overweight and obesity among secondary school students.
- Identifying the age and gender differentials in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Benue state.
- Identifying the health risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among these students.
- Suggesting ways to prevent overweight and obesity among students.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Children obesity is seen as a potential health problem in Nigeria due to the changes in lifestyle patterns. This is associated with a major medical, psychological and health consequence for children and adolescents. (Adegoke et al, 2009). Obesity is a noncommunicable multi -factorial metabolic disorder characterized by accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) in subcutaneous intra-abdominal and vascular organs in vertebrates (Daniel et al, 2016). Obesity has become an epidemic afflicting all nations over the world. The obesity epidemic affects all age groups including very young children and is a serious and growing problem for public health systems worldwide. The rapid rise in the prevalence of obesity is accompanied by the increasing number of co morbidities. (Mazur et al, 2013). Obesity among children and adolescents is rising far more than two decades, appears to have hit a plateau, a potentially significant milestone in the battle against excessive weight gain among children and adolescent. In Brazil, the progression of the nutritional transition has been detected. It has been characterized by the reduction of the prevalence of nutritional deficits and the more expressive occurrence of overweight and obesity, not only in the adult population, but also among children and adolescents. Triches and Giugliani 2005) The World Health Organization classifies about 400 million people around the world as obese. About 15% of adolescents (aged12-19years) and children aged (6-11years) are obese in the United State and numbers are expected to continue to increase. In the United Kingdom in 2004, it was estimated that 14% of boys and 17% of girls in the age group of 2 – 15 years were obese. Childhood obesity represents one of the worlds’ greatest health challenges. (Ismail et al, 2011). Obesity increases the risk for serious health conditions that affect their present, future health and quality of life, including resistance type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid level and low self-esteem, Stroke, certain cancers (Cardozo et al, 2013) heart and kidney failure (Adebayo et al, 2014; Awotidebe et al, 2014;Ogunmola et al, 2013). Obesity is socially and culturally acceptable in Nigeria and therefore, not usually recognized as a medical condition. (Iloh et al, 2010).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain pattern of overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Benue state of Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of pattern of overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Benue state of Nigeria
Summary
This study was on pattern of overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Benue state of Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included; Identifying the factors influencing childhood overweight and obesity among secondary school students, identifying the age and gender differentials in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Benue state, identifying the health risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among these students and Suggesting ways to prevent overweight and obesity among students. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from secondary school in Benue state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The participants’ demographics might have influenced their low food consumption pattern. Walking to school could have improved their physical activity level. The prevalence of overweight and obesity of the participants was low and this was in line with several similar studies. The low body mass index (BMI) for age and the high underweight observed could be attributed to the rural area they lived, their frequency of food consumption and energy reducing activity they engaged in within their domain. The schools as the agents of behavioural change can curtail any weight abnormalities that may develop among the adolescents because of the structured system that were put in place in form of games and available functional sporting facilities. The participants’ food consumption pattern and physical activity level greatly relate to participants overweight and obesity.
Recommendation
The low BMI for age within the normal range and the high underweight observed in the study points to a need for the adolescent parents and guardians to ensure that frequency of food consumption of their children are improved. This can be achieved by increase frequency meals of the participants and also prepare lunch from home should be given to them to take to school daily. This will help to improve their food consumption. In addition, the schools authorities should establish appropriate food cafeteria in their schools where nutritious meals will be served for those students who may not come with their lunch.
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