Determinants of obesity among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Adolescent obesity, overeating, physical activity, secondary school students, Calabar Municipal CouncilAbstract
The increasing prevalence of obesity among adolescents has become a significant public health concern globally, with developing countries like Nigeria experiencing alarming rates. This study investigates the determinants of obesity among secondary school students in Calabar Municipal Council, Cross River State, Nigeria, focusing on the roles of overeating and lack of physical activities. A sample of 220 students aged 11-19 was selected using simple random sampling. The study utilized a descriptive design and a self-structured questionnaire, alongside height, weight, and waist circumference measurements. Simple linear regression analysis was employed to test two hypotheses. Results revealed a significant correlation between overeating and obesity (r = .352, p < 0.05), accounting for 62% of the variance in obesity. Conversely, the relationship between lack of physical activities and obesity was not significant (r = .087, p > 0.05), explaining only 7% of the variance. These findings suggest that overeating significantly contributes to obesity among adolescents, while lack of physical activity does not. Addressing adolescent obesity in this context requires targeted interventions focusing on dietary habits. This study contributes to the understanding of obesity determinants in developing regions and highlights the need for tailored public health strategies.Downloads
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