Prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity in basic school in Accra

This study intends to determine the prevalence of obesity among children in the University Primary School, Legon. It also intends to determine relationship between the prevalence of obesity in children and socio-economic status of their parents and the most endemic age group.

The study was conducted using 270 students sampled at random in the basic school. Children's height, weight and skin fold measurement were taken. Children's parent's socio-economic status was assessed using close and open-ended questionnaires administered to parents. Data obtained was then analyzed using SPSS software.

Prevalence of obesity in the university primary school was found to be 10.9% with higher prevalence in girls (15.0%) than in boys (7.2%) (P-value=0.001). There was higher prevalence among children from high socioeconomic background (21 - 23%) with least prevalence in those from low socio-economic homes (10 - 20%) though this was not significant (p-value=0.23). Girls showed a higher body fat composition between 10 - 12years, whiles boys showed higher body fat stores between 8 - 10 years old. Increasing mother educational level reduced prevalence of child obesity (p-value=0.043) but this was not seen in increasing fathers' educational level (p-value=0.261).

The prevalence of obesity in children in University primary school was very high and worrying. The prevalence increased with socio-economic status and it is more common in females than males. It was recommended that similar study should be expanded nationwide.