Paper Title: Assessment and Occupational Health Implications of Body Mass Index of Administrative Staff of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Douglas K.E, Egelibe J.O, Harris K.D, Uzoma D.A
Article DOI:
Abstract/Summary:
BACKGROUND: Health problems associated with abnormal weight are becoming common among various professionals and nonprofessionals- including administrative staff. This can be objectively assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) and routine assessment of BMI is not only cheap but easy! This study was to assess the BMI of administrative staff of the University of Port-Harcourt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the University of Harcourt, Choba involved 162 administrative staff of the institution selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Study instruments included weighing scale, measuring tape, and pre-tested structured close-ended self-administered questionnaire. Data generated were entered into and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 20.0, and descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: Of the 192 questionnaires administered to consenting respondents, 178 were retrieved (86.9% response rate). The prevalence rate of overweight was 48.5% with 29.4% rate of obesity. Female respondents had a higher average BMI than male respondents (29.8 and 26.8 ±4 respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high among the administrative staff of the University of Port Harcourt. Efforts should be made to increase awareness through public health education and the provision of functional gymnastic centre into the staff club of the university.
Publication Date:
2016-06-30