A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Primary Healthcare Professional Nurses In Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

There is a paucity of data on the burden of obesity among primary Health care professional nurses in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among Primary Healthcare Professional nurses in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This workplace cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 Primary Health Care Professional nurses selected conveniently across 41 primary healthcare facilities in Eastern Cape, South Africa following a the WHO STEPwise approach and using the WHO STEPwise questionnaire for data collection. Data were expressed as mean, counts and proportions, as appropriate. We compared percentages using chi-square test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. Seventy six percent of the nurses were obese and 18% were overweight. Age, gender, marital status, duration of practice, alcohol use and smoking were significantly associated with obesity. Only age >30 years and not using alcohol were independent predictors of obesity, after adjusting for confounders. We found a high prevalence of obesity among primary healthcare professional nurses in this setting. This constitute future risk for an increased prevalence of chronic diseases among the healthcare workforce in this setting. There is a need for measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and weight management among nurses in this setting.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Nurses in Bahrain: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Studies found that older, male, married nurses with a diploma or associate degree were more likely to be overweight or obese [7,12]. In contrast, some studies found that female nurses are more likely to be overweight and obese than male nurses [13,14].…”

Anthropometric status of nurses working at a private hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

“…Consuming meals late at night and snacking in between meals were the most important lifestyle factors contributing to the increased obesity prevalence (Obirikorang et al 2016 ). Other studies have also reported a higher mean BMI among female nurses, compared with males (Aryee et al 2013 ; Monakali et al 2019 ). Factors contributing to overweight and obesity among the nurses included low physical activity levels, skipping meals, being older and married (Aryee et al 2013 ).…”

“…A study conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (SA) found that 76% of the professional nurses were obese, while 18% were overweight. The high prevalence of obesity in this study could be attributed to the work setting in primary healthcare facilities, where professional nurses are in a sitting position for many hours during consultations (Monakali et al 2019 ). Another South African study found that 27.5% and 44.4% of nurses were overweight and obese, respectively.…”

“…Many studies have reported a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses Goon et al 2013 ; Kyle et al 2017 ; Perry et al 2018 ; Monakali et al 2019 ; Sharif 2020 . Overweight and obesity in nurses can result in poorer health, reduced productivity at work and ineffective patient care (Chen, Lim & Ivy 2021 ).…”

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses in Bahrain: A cross‐sectional study

“…Studies found that older, male, married nurses with a diploma or associate degree were more likely to be overweight or obese (Bazrafshani et al., 2020 ; Chin et al., 2016 ). In contrast, some studies found that female nurses are more likely to be overweight and obese than male nurses (Aryee et al., 2013 ; Monakali et al., 2019 ). Despite the plethora of studies on obesity in nurses worldwide, there is a paucity of studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), and no study conducted in Bahrain was found.…”