Obesity, eating patterns, and physical activity of adolescents: a comparison of two rural communities in Newfoundland

Sharma, Jyoti (2013) Obesity, eating patterns, and physical activity of adolescents: a comparison of two rural communities in Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (5MB)

Abstract

Adolescent and childhood obesity is on the rise globally. Newfoundland has one of the highest overweight and obesity rates in Canada. The social determinants of health, which are interrelated, influence this trend. These determinants were used as a conceptual framework in an attempt to understand how certain of the determinants influence overweight and obesity in adolescents in two rural communities with differing economic status. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity; how physical activity and dietary intake differ in both communities; and how differences in practices, perceptions, barriers, and benefits related to physical activity differ in both communities. The sample consisted of a total of 107 grade 8 and 9 students ranging from 12-15 years of age who completed a self- administered questionnaire. Actual weight and height measurements were taken and recorded. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. While the communities varied on a number of characteristics there were few statistically significant differences. A high percentage of the adolescents were overweight (23%) and obese (37%) with males more likely to be obese and females were more likely to be overweight or of normal weight. Many of the students did not follow healthy eating patterns and frequently skipped breakfast, or did not engage in recommended levels of physical activity. In addition, a number of the adolescents had poor or unfounded attitudes towards physical activity. The findings have a number of important implications for community health nurses in areas of practice, education and research in addressing issues of overweight and obesity in adolescents.

Actions (login required)

View Item