Knowledge of Female University Students about Obesity and its Adverse Effects on Reproductive Health

Abstract

Background & Objective(s): Obesity remains a public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Research has denoted the relation between obesity and some female general and reproductive health problems including hypertension, diabetes, infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects and cesarean section. The high prevalence rates of obesity in developing countries may reflect lack of adequate knowledge about obesity. The aim of the present work was to estimate the prevalence rate of obesity among female university students and assess their knowledge regarding obesity and its adverse effects on reproductive health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 female university students attending the Outpatient Clinics affiliated to Alexandria University. Students were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Students’ knowledge about obesity, its risk factors and adverse effects was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Weight and height were measured for each student and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: The present study revealed that 31.5% of the studied students were overweight and 11% were obese (grade I). The mean BMI was 25.13 ± 3.63 kg/m2. About one quarter (24%) had poor knowledge about the effect of obesity on reproductive health, as 85% considered oocyte development and maturation better in obese females and 71% reported that obesity reduced the risk of developing early menopause. A notable percentage of them did not know that obesity increased the risk of still birth (28%) and miscarriage (24.2%). Conclusion: Prevalence rate of overweight and obesity among sampled female university students in Alexandria was high and a considerable proportion lacked knowledge about the effect of overweight/obesity on their reproductive health.

Keywords

• female university students; knowledge; obesity; reproductive health.