Determinants of Obesity among Market Women in the Kassena Nankana Municipality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajfst.v5i2.7027Keywords:
Dietary Patterns, Ghana, Market Women, Obesity Determinants, Physical Activity, Risk FactorsAbstract
This study examined the determinants of obesity among market women in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of Ghana, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, and lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 market women aged ≥18 years. Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured using standard protocols. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to derive dietary patterns. Physical activity, meal skipping, work-related stress, and other lifestyle factors were evaluated using structured questionnaires. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine associations between potential determinants and obesity status. Obesity prevalence was 54.2%, with 73.5% having abdominal obesity. Significant associations were found between obesity and age (p<0.001), with women aged 40-50 years showing the highest obesity rates (41.3%). Educational level was significantly associated with obesity (p=0.005), with 54.2% of women with no formal education being obese compared to 11.2% of those with tertiary education. Married women had significantly higher obesity rates (72.0%, p<0.001) than single women (7.7%). Type of housing showed a significant association with obesity (p=0.027). Lifestyle factors significantly associated with higher BMI and WC included meal skipping (p=0.008 for BMI, p=0.046 for WC), lack of physical exercise (p=0.003 for BMI, p<0.001 for WC), and work-related stress (p=0.019 for BMI, p=0.043 for WC). Three dietary patterns were identified: Pattern 1 (fruits, vegetables, protein, starchy foods), Pattern 2 (vegetables and starchy foods), and Pattern 3 (fruits and stew-based foods). Dietary patterns 1 and 2 showed weak positive correlations with BMI (r=0.154, p=0.034 and r=0.213, p=0.003, respectively). Age showed strong positive correlations with both BMI (r=0.676, p<0.001) and WC (r=0.635, p<0.001). Obesity among market women is determined by multiple interacting factors including age, educational level, marital status, physical inactivity, meal skipping patterns, work-related stress, and dietary behaviors. Comprehensive interventions addressing these modifiable determinants are urgently needed to reduce obesity burden in this vulnerable population.
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