Obesity related habit among adult obese women in Ejisu-Juaben District, Ghana

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Date
2004-11-21
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Obesity prevalence is rising at an alarming rate throughout the world, as it is in Ghana It is reported that 25.5% of Ghanaian women are obese with 33.0% of annual maternal death being as a result of obesity (Ghartey (Dr.), 2005) Although the seriousness if this condition may be overlooked due to marginal increases in the prevalence rates, it provides a serious threat to public health. Due to the hidden and gradual spread of the disease in the Ejisu-Juabeng district, the study was undertaken with the aim of identifying the risk factors that serve as an auxiliary to the increase of the disease and develop a behaviour change strategy that will serve as a framework in management’s effort in curbing the situation. The study used a cross-sectional design in which all data were collected from 150 adult women and 10 key informants by the use of open and closed-ended questionnaires and interview guide. The study revealed that 60.0% of the prevalence in the district could be attributed to the lifestyle of the people, which is a reflection of their cultural, social and personal attributes. Ghanaian culture sees obesity as a value, (a sign of good living) and as a standard, which one must achieve. From the findings of the study, Hereditary and Dietary factors of the people also were among the major factors enhancing the persistence of the disease in the district. The study showed a skewed trend of exercises undertaken by the adult women in the district. The few, who do engage in exercises, did it in the form of endurance exercises such as walking, dancing and mopping. Therefore the absence of other forms of basic exercises had had a negative impact on the health of the people, especially the adult women who serve as breadwinners for the family. In Ghana, there is no form of clinical therapies available at such areas for patients to visit for frequent check-ups. This therefore has propelled the minor causes of the condition to rise in number. In conclusion, it could be said that the awareness level about obesity is not enough, therefore the necessary structures and urgent response with consistency on the part of the government and the individuals are relevant in controlling and combating the issue at stake.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of MSc.degree in Health Services Planning and Management, 2004
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