Asian Journal of Research and Reports in Endocrinology

Background: Obesity represents a major global heath challenge because of the established health risks and substantial increase in its prevalence in children and adults in both developed and developing countries. Paediatric obesity has become a thing of concern in the last few decades in developing nations due to change in lifestyle and food culture from globalization.

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of obesity among secondary school adolescents.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive-analytical design and was conducted between May and July 2019. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilised to recruit 224 adolescents aged 10–19 years from six secondary schools within the Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State. Data collection was performed using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using a digital weighing scale for body weight and a stadiometer for height. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) AnthroPlus software and subsequently categorised according to WHO BMI Z-score standards. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Statistical significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: A total of two hundred and twenty-four (224) secondary school adolescents were recruited for the study. There were 108 (48.2%) males and 116 (51.8%) females. The mean age of the adolescents was 13.73±1.77 year. BMI and BMI Z-scores were statistically significantly higher for females compared to males (22.20 ± 4.83 vs. 20.07 ± 3.35 and 0.70 ± 1.51 vs. 0.28 ± 1.13; p<0.05).  Of the 224 adolescents, 140 (62.5%) of them had normal weight while 23 (10.3%) were obese.  Obesity was higher among girls (12.9%; 15 /116) compared to the 8(7.4%) of the 108 males (p 0.001). There was a significant relationship between obesity and social class, the type of school the child attends, history of inactivity, eating of junks and family history of obesity.  Obesity prevalence was higher (13.5%) among those from upper socioeconomic classes, compared to those from lower social class (2.9%). The relationship was statistically significant. (p-0.02, OR 5.13, CI 1.17-22.55). The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among participants from private school (15.2%) compared to those attending public school (4.5%). (p 0.007)

Conclusion: Obesity is a common problem among adolescent, with females more affected. The prevalence is significantly determined by both modifiable and genetic factors. There is need to encourage healthy diets and positive life style modification among adolescents.