Obesity Concerns Among College Students in Zambia

Obesity is a serious health issue that affects many people around the world. It is a growing problem not just in wealthy countries but also in poorer nations. In fact, it has reached the point where millions of people die each year because they are Overweight or obese. This is a concern that needs attention.

Overweight and obesity happen when a person has too much fat in their body. This can harm their health. One common way to figure out if someone is overweight or obese is by using Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a simple calculation that takes a person's weight and height to categorize them. If a person has a BMI below 18.5, they are considered underweight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal weight, over 25 is overweight, and over 30 is obese.

Since 1980, the number of overweight and obese adults has doubled around the world. Many low and middle-income countries are seeing this increase too. Diseases linked to being overweight, like heart problems, diabetes, and certain cancers, are now major causes of death globally. In some poorer countries, the number of people with chronic diseases is expected to rise, comparable to problems caused by infectious diseases.

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, like Zambia, are facing rising rates of overweight and obesity. This is happening because of changes in lifestyle linked to economic growth. Diseases related to obesity are responsible for a significant number of years lost to disability in Zambia. In 2014, the estimated number of overweight and obese people in Zambia was around 29.2%, which had increased from 26.4% in 2010.

This increase in obesity can be a heavy load on healthcare systems, affecting the health and quality of life of individuals and communities. Poor health from being overweight can also hurt students’ ability to learn and perform well.

The objective of a recent study was to find out how common overweight and obesity are among college students in Mongu District, Western Province, Zambia. While some research has been done on the general population in Zambia, little has focused on younger adults in college. This research aims to fill that gap and help inform government officials about the issues facing this age group.

#Study Location

Mongu is the capital city of the Western Province of Zambia. It is located about 580 kilometers west of Lusaka, the country’s capital. While the Western Province is largely rural, Mongu is more urban and has a higher population. The local economy is based on trade, government jobs, and farming. The study took place at three educational institutions: Mongu College of Education, Lewanika College of Nursing and Midwifery, and the University of Barotseland.

#Study Design

The research was done through a survey from April to June 2023.

#Participants

The study focused on young adults attending college. This group represents educated young people in the area. The goal was to determine how common overweight and obesity are among these students, as well as to identify the factors contributing to it.

#Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

All full-time students at the selected colleges were eligible to participate. However, pregnant women, bodybuilders or weight lifters, those on medications, and students who were ill or had chronic diseases were not included.

#Sample Size

To determine how many students needed to be sampled, the researchers used existing data on obesity rates in Zambia. They aimed for a sample that would accurately represent the population, accounting for non-responses and refusals.

#Sampling Method

The researchers used a two-step random sampling process. First, they randomly selected the colleges involved. Then, they randomly picked the students from these colleges who met the eligibility requirements to participate in the study.

#Data Collection

Five trained research assistants took measurements and asked participants questions using a mobile app. This made it easy to gather data on height, weight, and other relevant information.

#Data Management and Analysis

The collected data was analyzed using statistical software. The main focus was on calculating BMI and determining how many participants fell into each weight category. Statistics were used to show relationships between different factors like demographics, Eating Habits, and exercise with the outcomes of overweight and obesity.

#Ethical Considerations

Before the study began, it was reviewed to ensure it met ethical standards. Approval was obtained from the appropriate committee, and permission was granted from each college. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose and how their information would be used, and they had the choice to participate or withdraw at any time. Their information was kept private and secure.

#Sharing the Results

The study aims to provide recommendations for educational institutions about addressing issues related to overweight and obesity. Findings will be shared with policymakers and published in academic papers. Key information will also be provided to the Ministry of Education and the colleges involved.

#Participant Profile

The study found that more than half of participants were female, and the average weight of respondents was around 62 kg. Most participants were in the 21-23 age range. The majority of students came from non-health-related fields, while a smaller number were studying nursing or health-related subjects. A significant number of participants were first-year students.

#Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity

The research revealed that 30.6% of participants were either overweight or obese. More females were found to be overweight and obese compared to males. Students not studying health-related fields had higher rates of being overweight or obese than those in nursing or health-related studies.

#Food Consumption Habits

Analysis of eating habits showed that many students consumed snacks daily. A significant number also reported eating fruits and vegetables daily, while some had fast food regularly. Additionally, most participants ate local staple foods frequently.

#Alcohol Use

The data indicated a significant link between alcohol consumption and being overweight or obese. More students reported not drinking alcohol than those who did.

#Factors Influencing Overweight and Obesity

Demographic factors that were significantly linked to being overweight or obese included age and sex. Older students above 26 years were less likely to be overweight or obese compared to younger students. Female students were also less likely to be overweight or obese than males. Regular alcohol intake increased the likelihood of being overweight or obese.

#Model Selection

Different statistical models were evaluated to find the best fit for understanding the factors related to overweight and obesity in this study. The model that included age, sex, and alcohol consumption provided valuable insights, despite other models showing different levels of explanation.

#Conclusion

The study highlights a worrying trend of overweight and obesity among college students in Zambia. One-third of participants were found to be overweight or obese. Key factors associated with this issue include sex, age, and alcohol consumption.

This information can help guide efforts to improve health among young adults in educational settings. There is a clear need to address these health concerns to foster better health outcomes and learning opportunities for students. Future research should consider more detailed measurements of body fat and explore interventions to promote healthier habits among college students.