Obesity in Primary School Children in Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence and socio-demographic aspects of obesity in primary school children in Accra Metropolis. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on sample of 1123 children aged 6-10 years attending primary schools who were selected by multistage sampling using school registers and listings o f primary schools by Accra M etropolitan Education Service. Setting: Four public and four private primary schools in Accra Metropolis. Subjects and Methods: In total, 1123 subjects (584 females and 539 males) participated. There was however 912 questionnaires available for further analysis. Socio-demographic data were obtained by self-administered questionnaire and measurements were made o f weight, height and triceps skin fold thickness. Results: The mean age for males was 8.43 years and that for females 8.41years (p