Determinants of Childhood Obesity in Urban Ghana: A Basis for Health Promotion

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity has been recognized as a global health challenge since it predisposes children to various health conditions. Factors such as high-calorie diets, physical inactivity, and genetics have been implicated in the onset of childhood obesity. This study aimed to assess the influence of dietary factors on childhood obesity in school children aged 5 to 17 in the Ga-South Municipal Assembly, Ghana. Method: This was a cross-sectional study, with a purposive sample of 401. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and inferentially with STATA statistical software. Results: Findings showed that the proportion of obese children in private schools was more (58.6%) than in public schools (41.4%), with the majority being females (63%). Dietary factors that included parental/caregiver’s nutritional knowledge and children's dietary patterns significantly predicted childhood obesity (p-value = 0.00). An increase in age weakened the relationship between dietary factors and BMI while being a female strengthened it. However, the socio-economic characteristics of parents/ caregivers did not significantly moderate the relationship between dietary factors and BMI. Conclusion: Further research is recommended to replicate this study in other parts of the country. The research has given substantial insights into the factors that predispose children in the Ga South Municipality and by extension Ghana as a whole, to childhood obesity. Based on the findings of this study, education on better dietary habits should be stepped up in schools.

Keywords

• childhood obesity
• urban ghana
• ga-south municipal assembly
• school children
• caregivers