Anthropometric Parameters, Obesity, and Socio-Demographic Correlates Among Secondary Schoolteachers in Northern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has emerged as a significant public health issue worldwide, contributing to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Among occupational groups, secondary schoolteachers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged sedentary activities and limited physical exercise.

Aim: This study aimed to assess anthropometric parameters and obesity among secondary schoolteachers in Northern Nigeria.

Methods: The study was descriptive, cross -sectional study using a multi-stage sampling, conducted among 432 (275 males and 175 females) secondary schoolteachers working in public and private secondary schools in Kano.  Socio-demographic data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric parameters were also collected. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: The prevalence of general obesity and overweight, based on body mass index was 6.7% and 24.1%, while that of central (abdominal) obesity were 12.5%, 12.0%, and 18.3% using waist circumference, waist-hip-ratio and waist-height-ratio respectively. The Findings indicated significant sexual dimorphism exists in BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), Hip Circumference (HC), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI) (p < 0.05). The association between socio-demographic characteristics and obesity using chi-square test revealed that gender and education level were significantly associated with BMI. However, age, marital status and income level did not show statistically significant associations with BMI.

Conclusion: The study revealed a relatively low prevalence of obesity among secondary schoolteachers in Northern Nigeria, though a significant proportion were overweight. Notable gender differences in anthropometric indices were observed, with females exhibiting higher obesity-related measurements.