Nkwoka I. J., Egua M.O., Abdullahi M.,SabiâÃâ¬Ãâ¢u A., Mohammed A. I.
The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Affluence is a sure key factor in the development of obesity as portrayed by increased urbanization and industrialization that has been associated with increased prevalence of obesity. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, within an urban community perceived knowledgeable. This was a descriptive cross sectional study that involves a systematic random sampling of the University staff to select the respondents. Their weight, height, and body mass index were assessed. Overweight and obesity was defined using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI cutoff points. Self administered as well as interview administered questionnaires were used. The average body mass index was 25± 4 with majority of the respondents (50%) having a normal body mass index. The prevalence of obesity was found to be 12% while the prevalence of obesity and overweight combined was 47%. The respondents who had Knowledge of own weights were 67% and those who had no knowledge of their weights were 33%. Respondents who wanted a better shape than they were 82.4% and those who did not mind their shape were 16.5%. The respondents who perceived Obesity as a sign of good living were 12.5%; as a result of laziness 9.7%; as God-given 9.7%; as a disease 68.1%. The study demonstrated a moderately high prevalence of obesity among staff of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto with poor knowledge of the subject but a good attitude towards it. The study also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between obesity and some sociodemographic factors like, type of staff and cadre of staff.
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