Prevalence, Associated Socio-demographic Variables, and Health Conditions of Overweight and Obesity among Nurses in a Tertiary Health Institution in North-West Nigeria

Abstract

Obesity and overweight have become a global public health and social issues, with concerns for demographic determinants and health sequelae. The situation among nurses in Nigeria lacks empirical evidence. This study determined the prevalence, socio-demographic, and health correlates of overweight and obesity among nurses in a tertiary health institution in North-west Nigeria using a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A convenient sample of 225 nurses, selected from different units, was recruited for the study. A questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used to obtain data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Body mass index (BMI) was used to categorise weight: <18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m2, 25 – 29.9kg/m2 and 30kg/m2 and above to define underweight, normal, overweight, and obese respectively. Results showed over a third (38.0%) of nurses in this setting are obese; 28.0% are overweight, 32% have normal weight, while a few (2.0%) are underweight. Married females are more obese or overweight; obesity and overweight seem to increase with age and ranks. Obesity and overweight are associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and arthritis in about 25% of nurses. A high prevalence rate of obesity and overweight is thus found, with about two-thirds (66%) of nurses in the study area being either overweight or obese. This is associated with nurses’ age, gender, marital status, and ranks, and some non-communicable diseases. It is recommended that regular health checks, stress management, and other health promotion activities should form the institutional policy for health schemes and self-care for nurses.