Overweight and obesity prevalence among public servants in Nadowli district, Ghana, and associated risk factors: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Globally, overweight and obesity are becoming a mounting concern, impacting negatively on the health of populations especially in low-income settings. However, there is paucity of epidemiological information available in Ghana to support intervention activities. We conducted a study among public servants to estimate overweight/obesity, hypertension and diabetes prevalence and associated risk factors. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey involving 271 purposively sampled public servants aged 20 to 59 years was conducted. We used a structured questionnaire to collect data on eating patterns, risk factors for overweight and obesity, as well as data on socio-demographics and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements were carried out and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Information on blood pressure and diabetes was also gathered. We used descriptive statistical and logistic regression analyses to, respectively, estimate overweight/obesity prevalence, and examine associations between behavioral factors and overweight/obesity and hypertension/diabetes. RESULTS: The overall hypertension/diabetes, overweight and obesity prevalence were 20, 29.9 and 4.8% respectively. The study found that marital status (p < 0.001), leisure time with physical activity and level of physical activity during work (p < 0.035) as well as morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension (p < 0.012) were significantly associated with BMI. Findings showed no significant relationship between mealtime, eating habits, education, age and body mass index. Even though prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher among respondents who travelled to work by car compared to respondents who used motor bikes or walked, the association between weight status and means of transport was not statistically significant. Both smoking (p = 0.730) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.109) were not linked to weight status. CONCLUSION: Population-based interventions are needed to promote nutritious food selection and consumption, physical activity and healthy life styles. We also recommend that age and gender-specific interventions should be designed and implemented by relevant authorities to promote and support healthy living and healthy-lifestyles at home and in workplaces. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40608-017-0153-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.