Overweight and obesity describe an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body that may impair health. They are associated with a greater risk of disability and premature death due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as hypertension, stroke and coronary heart disease. Prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in various populations, and is becoming a huge problem among occupational or professional groups that are perceived as sedentary. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and potential determinants of overweight and obesity among practicing nurses and midwives in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed in this study, conducted from May to June 2015. One hundred and thirty five (n=135) eligible practicing nurses and midwives were selected using multi-stage sampling method based on probability proportionate to size (PPS). Anthropometric instruments were used to collect data such as weight, height, waist and hip circumferences; lifestyle and dietary habits; knowledge and perception of respondents on overweight and obesity were also collected. The data were entered and analysed statistically using SPSS, version 20. The ages of respondents ranged from 21 to 62 years with a mean age of 36.0 (SD 12.6) years old (χ2 = 10.4, P = .02). In terms of sex, 80.7% of respondents were females whereas 19.3% were males. Of all the respondents, 43.7% were married (χ2 = 2.9, P = .41), 96.3% were Christians (χ2 = 12.3, P < .001) and 77.8% were of the Ewe ethnic group (χ2 = 11.5, P =.04). The categories of the respondents were made up of 77.8% nurses and 22.2% midwives (Fisher's exact = .001). Using the WHO criteria for Body Mass Index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight among respondents was 31.8% (6.7% males and 25.1% females) whereas 28.9% comprising only females were obese. Mean BMI of respondents was 27.2 (SD 5.5) kg/m 2. Physical inactivity (Fisher's exact =18.65, P < .001) and dietary habits such as eating late in the night (P < .010) were found in this study to be contributory factors to overweight and obesity. In total, 60.7% of respondents sampled were either overweight or obese. We suggest that health managers should pay special attention to nurses and midwives regarding prevention and control of overweight and obesity in order to curb serious implications on their health and productivity.

Background Women of reproductive age (WIFA, 15-49 years) in Ghana are experiencing an upsurge in excess body mass index (BMI) and anemia (low hemoglobin concentration (Hb of  £ 10.9 g/dl)). Regions of Southern Ghana (Central, Eastern, and Volta) are recognized to have high rates of adolescent pregnancies, and is known to be associated with high risk of anemia. However, little is known for pregnant South Ghanaian women. This study aimed to examine anthropometry – maternal stature and early pregnancy BMI – and socio-demographic measures as independent risk factors for anemia in antenatal women in Southern Ghana. Methodology Baseline data on anemia from healthy pregnant women (15-49 years; n = 1278) collected through antenatal attendance in an observational cohort study was included in the descriptive and logistic regression analysis using STATA (Stata Corp LLC [US]). Anemia (dependent) and the independent variables: high parity (³5 children/woman); short stature (145£155cm); underweight (BMI <18.5kg/m2), normal (BMI 18.5-24.9kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9kg/m2), and obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) assessed with weight (kg) before the 20th week of gestation divided by height (m2) were defined following standards. Wealth status was constructed using Principal Component Analysis of durable assets, housing characteristics, water/sanitation, and toilets facilities. All estimates were evaluated at the 5% significance level (p < 0.05). Results Of the sample, 45.85% had moderate/severe anemia with 9.67(±0.04) average hemoglobin (g/dl) concentration. Overweight/obesity was approximately (47%; overweight 29% vs obesity 18%), short stature (4.77%), and underweight (4.61%) in the 1278 women interviewed. Obesity was highest in the highest income women (26.24% (69/263)) in whom anemia decreased (34.78%, 80/230)) compared to highest prevalence of anemia in short stature (59.01%, 36/61), underweight (57.62%, 34/59), and overweight (44.68%, 164/367) women. The risk of anemia increased with high parity (adjusted odds ratio; aOR 3.91; 95%CI: 1.79-8.52; p = 0.001); lowest income quintile (aOR:2.10; 95%CI: 1.35-3.26; p = 0.001); second income quintile (aOR:1.52; 95%CI: 1.01-2.30 p = 0.045); being Ewe ethnicity (aOR:2.09; 95%CI: 1.35-3.24; p = 0.001); and Akan (aOR:1.79; 95%CI: 1.16-2.74; p = 0.008); while obesity reduced the risk (aOR:0.70; 95%CI: 0.50-0.99; p = 0.045). Conclusion Anemia in pregnancy and overweight, and obesity as double burden of malnutrition remain significantly high in pregnant South Ghanaian women. The AIP exceeded the WHO defined threshold and was particularly highest in women having high parity, short stature, and underweight. While high parity and income status increased overweight/obesity, obese women were more likely to have a reduced risk of anemia. However, across the ethnicity, high parity and low-income status posed significant risk of anemia in women. Further research examining the nexus between underweight or short stature versus high rates of anemia or overweight/obesity and income and anemia to better explain, and prevent the increasing trend of anemia in pregnant Ghanaian women is recommended.