The Prevalence of Overweight and Underweight as a Diet-related Health Problem Among Students of Excellence Bridge Private School in Tina Community of Jos North Local Government
Abstract
This quantitative survey research aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and underweight issues among students in Excellence Bridge Private School within the Tina community. The study employed a structured questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument, administered to a sample of 120 respondents. The survey was designed to gather comprehensive insights into the dietary habits and health-related challenges faced by students in the specified private school. Data collected were processed and analyzed using SPSS27, allowing for the presentation of descriptive statistics and the application of a one-sample t-test to test three hypotheses. The hypotheses explored the relationships between dietary habits and the prevalence of overweight and underweight, the contribution of socio-economic factors to diet-related health problems, and the potential impact of targeted nutritional interventions on reducing the prevalence of weight issues among students. The findings from the t-test revealed statistically significant relationships between dietary habits and weight prevalence, highlighting the influence of socio-economic factors on students’ health, and supporting the effectiveness of targeted nutritional interventions. These results contribute to our understanding of the intricate dynamics influencing student health in private school settings. In essence, this study underscores the importance of adopting evidence-based interventions in addressing the prevalent health issues among students. It recommends the implementation of nutrition education programs, physical activity initiatives, and improved access to nutritious food options. These recommendations are essential for promoting healthier lifestyles among students and fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence and overall well-being. In light of these findings, educators, parents, and policymakers are encouraged to consider these evidence-based interventions for effective health promotion in private school settings. This study provides valuable insights for future research endeavours in similar contexts, contributing to the ongoing discourse on student health and well-being.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
The prevalence of overweight and underweight among students has emerged as a significant global concern, reflecting a disturbing trend in diet-related health issues (Chukwuonye et al., 2021). This issue is particularly pronounced among adolescents, who grapple with a multitude of challenges ranging from academic pressures to social dynamics and lifestyle choices. The nuanced nature of this problem is exemplified in the Tina community of Jos North Local Government, where students of Excellence Bridge Private School navigate a distinctive set of circumstances.
Nutrition is undeniably a cornerstone of students’ holistic development, exerting a profound influence on both their physical well-being and academic performance (Chukwuonye et al., 2021). The school environment, as a microcosm of societal influences, plays a crucial role in shaping students’ dietary habits. To address the burgeoning concerns surrounding the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students, particularly in Excellence Bridge Private School, it is imperative to explore the specific factors contributing to these diet-related health problems.
Drawing on the most recent research available, Chukwuonye et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult Nigerians. This study serves as a valuable reference point for understanding the broader context of diet-related health issues in the Nigerian population. While the focus of this research is on adults, the insights gained from adult populations can inform our understanding of similar trends among younger demographics, including students.
Chukwuonye et al.’s (2021) findings underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing a considerable prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Nigeria. By extrapolating these findings to the student population, especially in the unique context of Excellence Bridge Private School, it becomes evident that the school community is not immune to the challenges posed by diet-related health problems. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these issues, considering the potential long-term health implications.
To comprehend the factors contributing to the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students in Excellence Bridge Private School, it is essential to explore the socio-economic landscape and lifestyle choices within the Tina community. Studies by Umar et al. (2016) and Balogun et al. (2018) shed light on the economic dimensions of health, specifically comparing healthcare expenditures and exploring ethno-geographic variations in body sizes among Nigerians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Umar et al.’s (2016) comparison of healthcare expenditures between obese and non-obese patients in North-west Nigeria provides insights into the economic burden associated with obesity. This economic perspective is crucial for understanding the potential financial implications of diet-related health problems among students in Excellence Bridge Private School. Balogun et al.’s (2018) study, on the other hand, delves into ethno-geographic variations in body sizes, emphasizing the need to consider cultural and geographical factors when addressing the prevalence of overweight and underweight.
Moreover, the research by Yusuf et al. (2023) on overweight and obesity among adolescents in Kano, Nigeria, is particularly relevant in understanding the dynamics of weight-related issues in a Nigerian context. While Kano may differ from Tina community, the study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in a Nigerian setting. The findings may serve as a reference point for assessing the situation in Excellence Bridge Private School, offering a comparative perspective on the prevalence of diet-related health problems among students.
In examining the broader landscape of diet-related health issues in Nigeria, it is essential to consider the impact of urbanization, changing dietary patterns, and environmental factors. The study by Kandala and Stranges (2014) on the geographic variation of overweight and obesity among women in Nigeria highlights the role of nutritional transition in sub-Saharan Africa. This transition, marked by shifts in dietary habits and lifestyle, is crucial for understanding the changing dynamics of diet-related health problems among students.
As students in Excellence Bridge Private School grapple with academic pressures and navigate their social environment, it is imperative to consider the role of the school itself in shaping dietary habits. Oyeyemi et al. (2012) explored environmental factors associated with overweight among adults in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to consider the surroundings in interventions aimed at addressing diet-related health problems. This research is pertinent for understanding how the school environment in Excellence Bridge Private School contributes to the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students.
Statement of Problem
The prevalence of overweight and underweight among students, as elucidated by recent research findings, underscores a critical gap in our understanding of the specific challenges faced by students in the Tina community, particularly within the academic setting of Excellence Bridge Private School. Chukwuonye et al.’s (2021) revelation of a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in Nigeria provides a contextual backdrop, emphasizing the need to investigate and address similar issues among the younger demographic. This prevalent health concern is indicative of a critical gap in knowledge regarding the nuanced dynamics of diet-related health problems within the student population.
The Tina community of Jos North Local Government presents a unique socio-economic landscape, and insights from Umar et al. (2016) and Balogun et al. (2018) regarding the economic dimensions of health and ethno-geographic variations in body sizes among Nigerians are crucial for understanding the specific challenges faced by students in this locale. However, the direct applicability of these findings to the student population in Excellence Bridge Private School remains unexplored. Consequently, a gap exists in our comprehension of how these factors manifest within the school environment, hindering the development of targeted interventions to address diet-related health problems among students.
Yusuf et al.’s (2023) study on overweight and obesity among adolescents in Kano, Nigeria, provides insights into the dynamics of weight-related issues within the younger demographic. While this research offers a broader understanding of the problem, a gap remains in understanding the specific factors contributing to overweight and underweight among students in Excellence Bridge Private School. Bridging this gap is essential for tailoring interventions that align with the unique challenges faced by students in this academic setting.
Furthermore, the broader landscape of diet-related health issues in Nigeria, marked by urbanization, changing dietary patterns, and environmental factors, as highlighted by Kandala and Stranges (2014), signifies a critical gap in our knowledge. The impact of this nutritional transition on students in Excellence Bridge Private School is not well-explored, leaving a void in our understanding of how these macro-level changes influence the prevalence of diet-related health problems among students.
 Objectives of the Study
The research objectives are formulated as follows:
- To assess the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students of Excellence Bridge Private School in the Tina community.
- To identify the factors contributing to the diet-related health problems among the students.
- To propose evidence-based interventions to mitigate the prevalence of overweight and underweight in the school.
Research Questions
The study addressed the following research questions:
- What is the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students in Excellence Bridge Private School?
- What are the contributing factors to the diet-related health problems among students?
- What interventions can be proposed to address the prevalence of overweight and underweight in the school?
Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses guided the study:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
- There is no significant relationship between dietary habits and the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students.
- Socio-economic factors do not significantly contribute to the diet-related health problems among students.
- Implementing targeted nutritional interventions can not lead to a reduction in the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students.
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- There is a significant relationship between dietary habits and the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students.
- Socio-economic factors significantly contribute to the diet-related health problems among students.
- Implementing targeted nutritional interventions can lead to a reduction in the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students.
Significance of the Study
This research assumes paramount importance as it augments the current body of knowledge regarding the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students, focusing specifically on private schools in the Tina community. The resultant findings are poised to furnish invaluable insights for educators, parents, and policymakers, equipping them with the information necessary to devise well-informed strategies and interventions aimed at cultivating healthier lifestyles among students.
The significance of this study lies in its potential to unravel the specific challenges confronted by students within the unique academic milieu of Excellence Bridge Private School. By delving into the intricacies of diet-related health problems within this specific context, the research facilitates the development of targeted programs tailored to address these prevalent health issues. Such targeted interventions, informed by a nuanced understanding of the challenges students face, are pivotal for fostering a conducive environment that supports both academic excellence and overall well-being.
In essence, this research transcends the boundaries of mere academic inquiry; it serves as a practical tool for stakeholders in the educational landscape. Educators can utilize the findings to tailor their approaches, implementing programs that resonate with the distinct needs of students in private schools in the Tina community. Parents, armed with this knowledge, can actively engage in promoting healthier lifestyles at home, complementing the efforts initiated within the school environment. Policymakers, informed by the research, gain the insights needed to craft effective and targeted policies that address the specific health challenges faced by students in private educational settings.
Ultimately, the research goes beyond theoretical exploration, presenting a tangible opportunity for positive change within the educational ecosystem. By elucidating the nuanced landscape of diet-related health issues among students, particularly in private schools, this study empowers stakeholders to collaboratively strive towards the overarching goal of fostering healthier, more conducive learning environments for the students of Excellence Bridge Private School in the Tina community.
Scope of the Study
In the past tense, the study focused on students of Excellence Bridge Private School in Tina community, Jos North Local Government. The research considered factors such as dietary habits, socio-economic conditions, and lifestyle choices influencing the prevalence of overweight and underweight among students.
Operational Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and precision, the following terms are operationally defined in the context of this study:
Prevalence: The proportion of students with overweight or underweight conditions within the specified population.
Diet-related health problems: Health issues directly influenced by dietary habits, including but not limited to overweight and underweight.
Socio-economic factors: Economic and social conditions affecting students’ families, including income, education, and occupation.
Interventions: Targeted strategies and programs aimed at addressing and reducing the prevalence of diet-related health problems.
Lifestyle choices: Patterns of behaviour and decisions made by students concerning their daily activities, including diet and physical activity.
Holistic development: Comprehensive growth encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being.
Unique context: The specific conditions and characteristics of Excellence Bridge Private School in Tina community, Jos North Local Government.
Academic performance: Students’ achievements in their educational endeavours, encompassing grades, attendance, and overall engagement in academic activities.
References
- Chukwuonye, I. I., Chuku, A., John, C., Ohagu, K. A., Imoh, M. E., Isa, S. E., et al. (2021). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult Nigerians: A systematic review. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 6, 43–47.
- Cohen, J. (2018). Weighted kappa: Normal scale agreement with provision for scaled disagreement or partial credit. Psychological Bulletin, 70(4), 2133–220.
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches (5th ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE.
- Dada, I. O. (2017). The meal pattern and incidence of overweight and obesity among market women in a Southwest community, Nigeria. Saudi Journal of Obesity, 5, 70–76.
- De Rosa, S., Arcidiacono, B., Chiefari, E., Brunetti, A., Indolfi, C., Foti, P., et al. (2018). Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease: Genetic and epigenetic links. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9, 2.
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