Cross Cultural Analysis of Anthropometric and Adiposity Characteristics of School based Adolescents in Africa: Implication for Healthy Living
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Date
2008
Authors
Otinwa, G.O.
Owolabi, E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
50th ICHPER.SD Anniversary World Congress 2008 Organizing Committee
Abstract
One of the most important commitments a country can make for future economic, social and political progress is to address the health and development needs of its adolescents. However, very little is known about young people’s body mass index, fat. distribution and dietary intake of fat in some African countries.
This study compared anthropometric, central adiposity and hip adiposity of adolescents who are in Junior and High schools in Nigeria and Botswana.
Participants’ height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Height and weight values were used to compute body mass index, while waist / hip ratio was used to determine body fat percent and as a measure of central versus subcutaneous adiposity Collected data were analysed for descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, while independent ‘t © test was used to determine significant differences between the two countries.
Results indicated that significant differences existed in the BMI, waist circumference and Body Fat Percent between adolescents from the two countries. These findings were used for comparative cross cultural analysis between the cohorts, stating the implications for obesity and recommendations on healthy living, positive active life style and possible development of governmental health policies that will enhance adolescent health.
Description
Conference papers
Keywords
body fat , body mass index , central adiposity , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Citation
Otinwa, G. O. and Owolabi, E. O. (2008). “Cross Cultural Analysis of Anthropometric and Adiposity Characteristics of School based Adolescents in Africa: Implication for Healthy Living”. Proceedings of the International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (ICHPER.SD) World Congress, Japan: National Institute of Fitness and Sports, 67 – 73pp.