PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

Otolorin O.¹, Pilusa S.I.¹, Maleka D.²

¹Univeristy of the Witwatersrand, Physiotherapy, Johannesburg, South Africa, ²University of Limpopo, Health Science Education, Polokwane, South Africa

Background: Obesity and overweight in childhood is a global concern. The increased surge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in low-and middle-income countries, particularly in childhood, is well documented and has been the reason for this study. In Africa, prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is seen to be on par with what was obtainable in developed countries just over a decade ago. Figures from South Africa are reported to be among the highest in Sub Saharan Africa.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school going pupils.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited from four government primary schools (grade 1 and 2) based in Alexandra Township, Gauteng Province. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-hip ratio) were taken. The BMI-for-age was calculated using the Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States 2007–2010, United States Department of Health and Human Services Centres for Disease Control and Prevention National Centre for Health Statistics, vital and Health Statistics (2012). Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 package, p -value set at p 0.05.

Results: The sample comprised of 559 pupils, 52% female and 48% male pupils. Twenty six percent (143/559) of the participants were overweight (obesity included). Obesity was higher among boys (30.6%) than girls (21%). Forty five percent of female participants (130/291) had a significantly higher waist-hip ratio compared to male participants 0.7% (2/268) (p=0.000). Underweight was also recorded at 7.5% (42/559).

Conclusion(s): This study has revealed moderate prevalence of obesity among primary school going children in Alexandra Township. Even though boys had a higher prevalence of obesity and overweight than girls, the high waist to hip ratio among girls is a significant health risk factor. Underweight children were also present in the same community.

Implications: The findings of this study indicate the need for the development of health promotion programmes targeted to school going children to prevent obesity.

Funding acknowledgements: Unfunded

Topic: Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing

Ethics approval: Human Research Ethics Committee, University of the Witwatersrand Number: M140617

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