Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Staff of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are increasingly prevalent among healthcare professionals, raising concerns about occupational health, productivity, and long-term well-being.

Objectives of the Study: This study assessed the prevalence, associated risk factors, and correlates of overweight and obesity among staff of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 282 apparently healthy hospital staff were recruited using Cochran’s formula for proportions. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on socio-demographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits, alongside anthropometric measurements including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Descriptive statistics summarized baseline characteristics, while chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis were used to examine associations between overweight/obesity and risk factors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Of the 282 respondents, 45.4% were male and 54.6% were female, with a mean age of 39.1 ± 9.15 years. The prevalence of overweight was 39.7%, while obesity was 23.4%. Obesity was significantly more prevalent among female staff than male staff (19.0% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.036). Among respondents classified as obese, 69.7% were female and 30.3% were male (p = 0.010). Significant correlations were observed between BMI and age (p = 0.022), income (p = 0.002), and moderate-intensity physical activity (p = 0.010). Waist circumference revealed that 37.6% of respondents were at substantial risk of obesity-related complications. No significant associations were found with alcohol consumption, smoking, or meal skipping.

Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among staff of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, with female gender, increasing age, higher income, and reduced physical activity identified as important risk factors. Workplace health promotion programs are essential to reduce the burden of obesity and its associated risks among healthcare workers.

Keywords: Overweight, Obesity, Prevalence, Risk factors, Hospital staff, Nigeria.

Highlight/Key Messages

·          Nearly two-thirds (63.1%) of hospital staff were overweight or obese, with 39.7% overweight and 23.4% obese.

·          Female staff had a significantly higher obesity prevalence than males (19.0% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.036), and constituted the majority of obese respondents (69.7%).

·          Over half (58.9%) of staff had increased or substantial waist circumference risk.

·        Sedentary behavior, meal skipping, and frequent snacking were common and associated with higher excess weight prevalence.