Prevalence and risk factors of obesity among adolescents in urban and rural secondary schools in Jos

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of adolescent obesity and overweight is on the increase in both developed and developing countries. This is associated with a rise in the incidence of obesity -related co-morbidities. The most feasible solution lies in the utilization of primary prevention strategies which are targeted at the risk factors for adolescent obesity and overweight. These may vary by geographical location. This study, therefore, assessed and compared the risk factors of obesity/overweight in secondary school students in rural and
urban areas of Jos, North Central Nigeria.
Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted among 450 adolescents, aged 12-18 years from January to June 2019 in Jos, Nigeria. Data on sociodemographic characteristics was obtained using pretested questionnaires. BMI-for age was determined using the 2007 WHO Body Mass Index chart. Logistic regression analysis was used to show association between the sociodemographic risk
factors and overweight/ obesity.
Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6.2% and 1.3% respectively. Gender and parental socioeconomic status were found to be independent risk factors for adolescent overweight/obesity.
Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among secondary school adolescents in Jos, Plateau State. Gender and parental socioeconomic status are independent risk factors for adolescent overweight/obesity. Primary prevention programs which focus on these risk factors could aid in preventing and controlling this scourge.