Research Outputs (Therapeutic Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10539/37275
This collection hosts published and unpublished research articles, conference papers and book chapters authored by Wits academics and researchers.

Browse

Browsing Research Outputs (Therapeutic Sciences) by Department "Physiotherapy"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence of excess weight and associated socio-demographic factors among postmenopausal women: A population-based study in Ghana
    (AOSIS, 2023) Isaac Mensah Bonsu; Corlia Brandt; Adedayo T. Ajidahun; Monday O. Moses; Hellen Myezwa
    Background: Excess weight (obesity and overweight) is a pervasive condition that is considered a global epidemic and a threat to public health. Furthermore, numerous changes in fat deposits occur with the advent of menopause, leading to a change in the distribution of body fat. Knowledge of sociodemographic factors and prevalence can inform the effective management of these women. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excess weight among postmenopausal women in Ghana’s Bono East (Techiman) region. Setting: This study was conducted in Bono East regional capital, Techiman, Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over 5 months at Bono East regional capital, Techiman in Ghana. Anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were obtained using physical measurements while socio-demographic data were gathered using questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25. Results: The mean age of the 378 women who participated in the study was 60.09 ± 6.24 years. Body mass index, WHtR and WHR indicated excess weight of 73.2%, 91.8% and 91.0%, respectively. Education and ethnicity were predictors of excess weight (WHR). Women of the Ga tribe with high school education have 4.7- and 8.6-times increased odds of having excess weight. Conclusions: There are higher prevalence rates of excess weight (obesity and overweight) among postmenopausal women using BMI, WHtR and WHR. Education and ethnicity are predictors of excess weight. Contribution: The study’s findings can be used to develop interventions that focus on addressing excess weight in postmenopausal women within the Ghanaian context. Keywords: desirable weight; body mass index; obesity; postmenopausal; waist-to-height ratio; waist-to-hip ratio; prevalence.