Pattern and predictors of overnutrition among adolescents in rural areas of Ogun State, Nigeria

Objective: Overnutrition is a risk factor for major Non-Communicable Diseases globally. Adolescence is a vulnerable period characterised by several lifestyle changes such as a newly discovered autonomy and peer pressure which may result in them adopting long-lasting unhealthy behaviours that could lead to overnutrition. This study was carried out to assess the pattern and predictors of overnutrition among adolescents in rural areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a school-based descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between July and October 2023 among 898 in-school adolescents. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select respondents for the study. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants. A binary and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted with adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence levels. Statistical significance was taken at P<0.05. Result: The mean age of respondents in this study was 15.40±1.91 years. There were more females (51.8%) than male respondents (48.2%).  The mean weight was 48.56±9.78kg, and the mean BMI was 19.19±3.23. The prevalence of overnutrition was high (16.4%). The predictors of overnutrition were age (AOR=0.448, 95%CI= 0.217-0.925), gender (AOR=0.467, 95%CI= 0.311-0.703), father’s occupation (AOR=2.505, 95%CI= 1.229-5.105), mother’s education (AOR=2.167, 95%CI= 1.252-3.751) and level of physical activity (AOR=0.269, 95%CI= 0.074-0.983). Conclusion: The prevalence of overnutrition among adolescents in Ogun State is high. Efforts should be geared towards the introduction of nutrition education programmes that address the factors associated with overnutrition. Furthermore, policies on obesity-preventing measures in the form of increased physical activity in high schools should be implemented.