Author(s)

Olga Agbohoui Houinato^1*, Alphonse Kpozehouen², Benjamin Hounkpatin³, Kévin Yann Gbédji¹, Hélène Robin¹, Carmelle Mizéhoun-Adissoda¹, Fernand Guédou⁴, Dismand Stéphan Houinato¹, René Xavier Perrin³

¹Epidemiologic Laboratory for Chronic and Neurological Diseases (LEMACEN), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
²Regional Institut of Public Healt. (IRSP), University of Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
³Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune (CHU MEL), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
⁴Health Center of Sexually Transmitted Infections (DIST), Health Center of Cotonou1, Cotonou, Bénin.

Introduction Overweight and obesity are considered to be global public health concerns. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 and involving 3968 adolescents of 10 to 19 years from 40 secondary schools in Benin. Participants were selected using a 2-level random sampling technique. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed using Epi Info and Stata softwares. Associated factors were investigated by a logistic regression. Results Mean age was 16.54 ± 0.04 years and sex ratio was 1.16. The prevalence of overweight was 8.1% and that of obesity was 1.6%. Associated risk factors were female gender, sedentary lifestyle, consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages. Consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, age over than 15 years were protective factors. Conclusion Overweight and obesity among school adolescents are increasing in Benin. The establishment of a school nutrition program and the promotion of regular physical activity should contribute to reducing their prevalence.

Prevalence, Overweight, Obesity, Adolescent, School Environment

Houinato, O. , Kpozehouen, A. , Hounkpatin, B. , Gbédji, K. , Robin, H. , Mizéhoun-Adissoda, C. , Guédou, F. , Houinato, D. and Perrin, R. (2019) Prevalence and Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents in Schools in Benin in 2016. Open Journal of Epidemiology, 9, 213-242. doi: 10.4236/ojepi.2019.93018.