Abstract:

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence, level of awareness and associated risk-factors among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Monze, Zambia. The main objective was to establish the magnitude and level of awareness about the disease burden associated with the consumption of energy-dense foods compacted by physical inactivity among the studied population. A sample of 358 respondents was selected from a population of 2319 pupils. A 57-items structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using SPSS 16.0. Of the 358 respondents, the prevalence of underweight was one percent, normal weight 75%, overweight or obesity 24%, and that of that of obesity alone was 5%. These rates are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed a significant difference between residing in peri-urban area and the urban one (ρ= .05%). Applying the Delphi experts’ scores, respondents’ awareness level of overweight and obesity and associated risk-factors was between moderate and low. A school-based policy to prevent overweight and obesity among adolescents in Zambia was recommended among other measures to be taken by all stakeholders.

Keywords: overweight, obesity, awareness, urban, peri-urban, adolescents.

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