scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with obesity amongst employees of open-cast diamond mine in Namibia

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Desderius Haufiku ◽  
Hans Justus Amukugo

<p>The study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with obesity amongst employees of Pocket Beaches mine. Obesity rates are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide; 1.2 billion people worldwide are overweight of which 300 million are clinically obese. Of concern, is that obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and other forms of cancers. Although there are several mine workers who on reporting to occupational health services for minor ailment are found to be overweight or obese, we are not certain about the extent with the problem. The health risk associated with obesity could cause a big loss to NAMDEB in terms of care cost, low productivity and absenteeism.</p><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of obesity amongst NAMDEB employees working at Pocket Beaches diamond mine.a descriptive; cross-sectional study measured the prevalence of obesity and describes the factors that are associated with obesity and overweight.</p><p>Study population: NAMDEB employees who were working at Pocket Beaches mine. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. Eighty seven employees were selected from 188 total NAMDEB employees working at Pocket Beaches mine. Data was collected through interviews. Anthropometric measurements namely, weight, height and abdominal circumference were collected using a standard protocol.</p><p>Data was analyzed using Epi Info 2002. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as kg/m2. Overweight was defined as BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 and obesity as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Waist Circumference ≥80 cm was used to identify central obesity in women and ≥90 cm in men. The frequency of participation in physical activity, barriers to physical activity and food consumption is reported in percent and means.</p><p>The study found prevalence 42% overweight and 32% obesity among employees of NAMDEB. A significant number of participants 48% never participate in moderate exercise per week. 71% of participants reported lack of motivation exercising and too tired after work as the major barriers to physical activity. The consumption of fatty foods such as fried chicken and fried meat was common among study subjects. A large number of respondents 79% eat fried chicken regularly while 74% eat fried meat regularly. 79% of participants consumed inadequate fruits and vegetable (one fruit and vegetable per day). The two most mentioned reasons for low fruits and vegetables consumption were lacked of fruits and vegetables in hostel food menu, and 14% don’t like fruits.</p><p>This study results revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among employees. There is also low participation in physical activity and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables among employees. Lack of motivation to exercise and unavailability of fruits and vegetable contributed to unhealthy lifestyles. Appropriate interventions are necessary in order to reduce the high obesity prevalence. Wellness program to promote physical activity should be introduced at Pocket Beaches mine. Management should engage Sodexho (catering company) to increase fruits and vegetables in the employees’ menu.</p>

2007 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard R. Rosenkranz ◽  
Karly S. Geller ◽  
David. A. Dzewaltowski

Many children do not meet current guidelines for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption, two areas of health-related behavior with links to obesity. Objective: To examine child and parent perceptions of child proxy agency, home physical activity opportunity, and home accessibility of fruits and vegetables. Methods: Dyads (N = 117) of parents and children completed questionnaires for this cross-sectional study. Results: For child proxy agency, fruits and vegetables accessibility, and physical activity opportunity, the parent and child perceptions were significantly related. Parent ratings of physical activity opportunity and child proxy agency were significantly greater than child ratings. Perceptions of both parents and children for proxy agency were associated with fruits and vegetables accessibility and physical activity opportunity. Conclusions: Parents and children hold similar, yet distinct perceptions of physical activity opportunity and child proxy agency. Perceptions of child proxy agency are associated with obesity-related home environmental characteristics.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nana Ama Frimpomaa Agyapong ◽  
Reginald Adjetey Annan ◽  
Charles Apprey ◽  
Linda Nana Esi Aduku ◽  
Catherina Elizabeth Swart

Abstract Background: Overweight and obesity have become threats to public health in all regions across the globe. Policies to regulate the food environment and promote healthy food consumption can reduce the prevalence obesity but in Ghana there is not enough data to elicit a policy response. This study assessed the association between dietary consumption, anthropometric measures, body composition and physical activity among rural and urban Ghanaian adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 565 Ghanaian adults. Structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic information. Dietary consumption was assessed using household food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall. Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference and body composition of all participants were also measured. The World Health Organization’s Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels. Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze differences in anthropometric measurements, body composition and dietary consumption among rural and urban participants. Principal component analysis was used to analyze household food frequency data and nutrient analysis template was used to analyze 24-hour recall. Chi-square was used to measure differences in obesity prevalence by community and gender. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the risk factors associated with obesity. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity using BMI were 29.9 and 22.9 respectively. The use of waist circumference measurement resulted in the highest overall obesity prevalence of 41.5%. Prevalence of obesity was higher among females compared to males across all measures with the exception of visceral fat that showed no significant difference. Four different patterns were derived from principal component analysis. Among urban participants, component 3 (staple pattern) showed a significant negative correlation with visceral fat (r -0.186, p-value 0.013) and BMI (r -0.163, p-value 0.029). Multinomial logistic regression showed that males (AOR 19.715, CI 9.723-39.978, p-value < 0.001) had higher odds of being of normal weight compared to females. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity continue to rise in Ghana, especially among females. Public education and screening as well as interventions that regulate the food environment and make affordable and available healthy food options are needed to control the rise in obesity prevalence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Daniela Robles-Ordaz ◽  
Ana Cristina Gallegos-Aguilar ◽  
Rene Urquidez-Romero ◽  
Rolando Giovanni Diaz-Zavala ◽  
Marcos Gerardo Lavandera-Torres ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of and modifiable factors associated with prediabetes in the Comcáac Indians.DesignCross-sectional study where prediabetes was defined using fasting plasma glucose, 2 h plasma glucose and glycated Hb (HbA1c). Physical, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, medical record, socio-economic, dietary and physical activity information were collected. The modifiable factors associated with prediabetes were assessed using multiple logistic regression.SettingsComcáac Indian communities of Punta Chueca and El Desemboque, Sonora, Mexico.SubjectsAdults (n227) aged 20 years or older.ResultsThe sex- and age-adjusted prevalence (95 % CI) of prediabetes was 47·1 (40·8, 53·5) % in the overall population; age-adjusted prevalence was 47·3 (35·6, 59·0) % in men and 46·7 (39·1, 54·3) % in women. The modifiable factors associated with a risk of prediabetes (OR; 95 % CI) were light-intensity physical activity (per 1 h/week increase: 1·04; 1·01, 1·07) and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance score >6·1v. <4·1: 4·62; 1·37, 15·51). Increased consumption of a traditional dietary pattern based on fish and seafood, low-fat cereals, fruits and vegetables was a protective factor (0·49; 0·31, 0·79). All variables were modelled together and adjusted for age and sex.ConclusionsThe high prediabetes prevalence found in the Comcáac community is alarming because it represents a large number of people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. The identification of modifiable factors associated with prediabetes that are specific to this population may be useful for designing effective strategies to prevent prediabetes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1048-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Sagbo ◽  
Didier Koumavi Ekouevi ◽  
Dorland Tafitarilova Ranjandriarison ◽  
Serge Niangoran ◽  
Tchaa Abalo Bakai ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveOverweight and obesity in childhood are serious public health issues, both in developing and developed countries. The present study aimed to ascertain overweight and obesity prevalence rates among Togolese schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo, and their correlation with physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits.DesignCross-sectional survey conducted in December 2015. Overweight and obesity were defined using age- and sex-specific BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force. Physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Specially trained medical students interviewed children and collected the data. After bivariate regression analyses, factors associated with overweight/obesity were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was two-sided P<0·05.SettingLomé, Togo.SubjectsRepresentative sample of 634 children (288 boys, 346 girls), aged 8–17 years, who were studying in primary schools.ResultsOverweight and obesity respectively affected 5·2 and 1·9 % of children surveyed. Watching television (>4 h) on weekends (OR; 95 % CI: 3·8; 1·2, 12·0, P=0·02) and medium dietary diversity score (3·0; 1·1, 8·1, P=0·03) were independently associated with overweight/obesity in a multivariate regression model. Eating breakfast in the school cafeteria (0·2; 0·1, 0·8, P=0·03) and eating fruits (0·4; 0·1, 0·9, P=0·03) significantly reduced the risk of overweight/obesity.ConclusionsOverweight and obesity prevalence were linked with sedentary behaviour and non-optimal food diversity. Promoting physical activity and fruit consumption should be explored as interventions to reduce and prevent overweight and obesity in Lomé schoolchildren. In addition, preventive approaches in the social environment of children should be considered.


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Thibault ◽  
Caroline Carriere ◽  
Coralie Langevin ◽  
Edouard Kossi Déti ◽  
Pascale Barberger-Gateau ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of, and identify associated factors with, overweight and obesity in two samples of French children.DesignWe conducted two cross-sectional studies among two samples of children. Weight status, eating behaviour, sedentary activity, physical activity and parents’ socio-economic status (SES) were collected using questionnaires filled by doctors during school health check-ups. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the age- and sex-specific BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Taskforce. Multivariate analysis (logistic regression) was used to identify independent factors associated with overweight including obesity and obesity alone.SettingAquitaine region (south-west France).SubjectsAnalyses were conducted among children aged 5–7 years (n 4048) and 7–11 years (n 3619).ResultsOverweight prevalence was 9·5 % including 2·2 % of obesity in 5–7-year-old children and 15·6 % including 2·9 % of obesity in 7–11-year-old children. In both samples, overweight and obesity prevalence were higher in children whose parents had low or medium SES (P < 0·05). Factors associated significantly (P < 0·05) and independently with higher overweight or obesity prevalence were female gender, low or medium parental SES, never or sometimes having breakfast, never eating at the school canteen, never having a morning snack, never or sometimes having a light afternoon meal and having high sedentary activity.ConclusionsOur data confirm that low SES, absence of breakfast and high sedentary activity are associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese, but also highlight original potential protective factors such as eating at the canteen and high meal frequency.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. J Lateef ◽  
E Njogu ◽  
F. Kiplamai ◽  
U. S Haruna ◽  
R. A Lawal

Adolescents and childhood overweight and obesity have been observed as one of the serious public health challenges of the 21st century by World Health Organization. This study identified the determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescents in public schools in Kwara state, Nigeria. Multistage and stratified sampling techniques were used to randomly select 515 participants which comprised of 343 girls and 172 boys aged (10-19) years in 8 public secondary schools from 32 schools in 2 zonal inspectorate divisions. Data was collected using modified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Digital bathroom scale and stadiometer were used to measure weight and height of the participants. (SPSS, Version 20) and WHO Anthroplus were used to analyze the data Overall prevalence of overweight is (4.7%) and obesity (0.2%), while prevalence for male and female overweight (0.6%, 6.7%) and obesity (0%, 0.3%) respectively. Calculated mean BMI for age of the participants was (19.72± 2.62) kg/m2. Overweight and obesity were positive but weakly correlated to food consumption (FC) of participants (r= 0.012), however the relationship was significant (p< 0.001). Furthermore, overweight and obesity were negatively correlated with no significance to the physical activity level of participants (r=-0.105). Participants need to consume more of low calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables and should also engage in more physical activity practices such as aerobics to lower overweight and obesity prevalence.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz ◽  
Jerzy Gębski ◽  
Marta Plichta ◽  
Dominika Guzek ◽  
Małgorzata Kosicka-Gębska

Obesity is a serious problem for both the individual and society due to its health and economic consequences. Therefore, there is a need to focus on factors which explain this phenomenon and may be useful in preventing future occurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the lifestyle factors coexisting with increased body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) in Polish adults, including factors related to diet (dietary patterns—DPs; dietary restrictions; number of meals; frequency of snacking, eating out, and ordering home delivery meals), physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in 2016 amongst 972 Polish adults under the Life Style Study (LSS). To determine the factorscoexisting with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, the logistic regression model was developed. Women were less likely to be overweight or obese compared to men. The likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 increased with age by 4% in each subsequent year of life. Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, adhering to restrictions in quantity of food consumed and at least moderate physical activity during leisure time decreased the likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. More frequent consumption of meat and eating five or more meals a day increased the likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Diet-related factors explained the developed model better than factors related to physical activity, however, age and gender were the factors most strongly correlated with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Therefore, development of strategies to prevent and reduce overweight and obesity should focus on the demographic characteristics of the population, and then on teaching behaviors conducive for reducing the amount of food consumed, especially meat. However, physical activity in leisure time should also be included in the prevention of obesity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucinéia de Pinho ◽  
Ana Cristina de C. Botelho ◽  
Antônio Prates Caldeira

OBJECTIVE: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to weight excess in public school students from Montes Claros, MG, Southeast Brazil, were studied.METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents from the public schools of the city. The nutritional status was evaluated and an inquiry was carried out in the schools to determine food consumption and practice of physical activities. Factors associated to weight excess were assessed by bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression.RESULTS: Weight excess prevalence was detected in 18.5% of the 535 adolescents evaluated. The factors associated to weight excess were: per capita income above half minimum wage (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.01-3.93), candy consumption above two daily portions (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.13-3.32) and absence of sport activity during leisure time (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.15-5.59).CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of weight excess in adolescents from public schools is relevant and associated with socioeconomic condition of the family, bad eating habits and sedentary life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Furahini D. Tluway ◽  
Germana H. Leyna ◽  
Elia J. Mmbaga

 Background: Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity have increased dramatically in recent years. We assessed the burden and factors associated with overweight and obesity among adolescents in a semi-rural district of Babati in Tanzania.Methods: A school-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescents attending secondary schools. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedures. A Food Frequency Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were adapted to assess dietary and physical activity patterns, respectively.Results: A total of 619 students were included in the analysis. The mean age and body mass index of the respondents were 16.7±1.68 years and 19.9±3.16 kg/m², respectively. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.2% with more girls being overweight and obese than boys (P<0.0001). In the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models, girls (Odds Ratio [OR] = 5.6; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.97, 15.72]); unhealthy diet (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.63); vigorous physical activity (OR = 2.2; 95%CI: 1.34, 3.56) and physical inactivity (OR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.08, 2.79) were independent predictors of overweight or obesity.Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was modest. Female sex, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity were significantly predictive. There is a need for interventions in obesity to have a broader target audience to include adolescents and residents of rural areas. Primary preventive interventions are needed. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estuardo Daniel Castro ◽  
Gamaliél Alejandro Velásquez, ◽  
Edgar Lineker Santos ◽  
Gustavo Adolfo Oliva ◽  
Clara Elizabeth Chang ◽  
...  

Background: In Latin America 22.4 million people has abnormal tolerance to insulin, these ones could turn into diabetics if they do not change their lifestyles. Added to this, there are 15 million who present Diabetes Mellitus and this amount will increase to 20 million in 10 years. This epidemic behavior is caused by many factors in which stand out lifestyles, the population aging, and lack of prevention programs. Since 1994, physicians in Guatemala have demonstrated to have inadequate lifestyles in different researches, standing out sedentarism, overweight and obesity, and hypercaloric diets. Objective: To evaluate the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes Mellitus using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) in Guatemalan doctors of three medical institutions in the months of June and July 2016. Methods: Cross-sectional study, where 176 doctors were interviewed using the FINDRISC. Participant’s body mass index and abdominal circumference were measured. Results: Mean age was 50 years, 63% (110) male; 55% (96) were sedentary, more than three quarters consumed fruits and vegetables daily, 22% (38) were hypertensive, 10% (17) had a history of impaired glucose and 61% family history of diabetes (108); 47% (82) were overweight and 31% (54) had some degree of obesity. Central obesity was present in 63% (111). There was a statistically significant relationship between age and risk of type 2 diabetes (OR: 3.4 p: 0.001) as well as a relationship between physical activity and abdominal circumference (OR: 2.84, p: 0.001). Out of the total population, 80% (141) of doctors were in some degree of risk, from these, 53% with slightly elevated, 29% moderate, 16% with high and 2% very high risk. Conclusions: Eight out of ten doctors studied were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes over a period of ten years. There is a relationship between: age and risk of disease, as well as between physical activity and abdominal circumference.


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