Prevalence of excess weight and associated socio-demographic factors among postmenopausal women: A population-based study in Ghana
Date
2023
Authors
Isaac Mensah Bonsu
Corlia Brandt
Adedayo T. Ajidahun
Monday O. Moses
Hellen Myezwa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
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.
Description
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excess weight among postmenopausal
women in Ghana’s Bono East (Techiman) region