An Exploratory Study of Physical Activity and Over-Weight in Two Senior High Schools in The Accra Metropolis

Type Journal Article - Ghana medical journal
Title An Exploratory Study of Physical Activity and Over-Weight in Two Senior High Schools in The Accra Metropolis
Author(s)
Volume 47
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Page numbers 197-203
URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3961858/
Abstract
Background. Overweight and physical inactivity are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. However, little evidence on physical activity, and overweight exists to support intervention in specific sub-populations including adolescents in low-income settings like Ghana. This study aimed at estimating overweight and determining the pattern and level of physical activity among senior high school students in the Accra Metropolis. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Accra Metropolis, among senior high school students, ages 15 to 19 years. Participants were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurement were employed to gather information for the study. Students were considered as overweight if their Body Mass Index (BMI) = +1SD, and obese if BMI = +2SD. Results. Out of 444 students, 17% were classified as engaging in low level physical activity, 49% in moderate activity, and 34% in high level of physical activity. Much of the activity in boys was recreational while among girls, was due to domestic chores. The prevalence of overweight was 11.7%. Overweight prevalence was higher among female students (15.6%) compared to 4.5% in males. Furthermore the risk of overweight was lower among students who engaged in high physical activity than those engaged in low activity. Overweight was independently associated with physical activity (p=0.01), sex (p=0.001) and age (p=0.01), after controlling for age sex and physical activity and diet. Conclusion. Majority of students in the study engaged in moderate to high physical activity. The prevalence of overweight was 11.7%. Physical activity was significantly related to overweight among students in the study.

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