Prevalence and Socio-demographic determinants of overweight and obesity among females of reproductive age in ghana: an analysis of the 2022 Ghana demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries are experiencing a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. These trends are concerning given the health risks associated with overweight and obesity. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among reproductive aged women in Ghana. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey which utilized a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. Frequencies and percentages were used to characterize the sample. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses accounting for complex survey design were conducted to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and overweight/obesity. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 50% (95% CI, 48% to 52%). Females who were aged 40-49 years (AOR 2.20; 95% CI, 1.76 to 2.75) and resided in urban areas (AOR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.62) were more likely to be overweight/obese as compared to those aged 20-29 years and resided in rural areas. Women with secondary education (AOR 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.96) and belonged to the most affluent wealth quintile (AOR 7.01; 95% CI, 4.46 to 11.02) were more likely to be overweight/obese as compared to those with no education and belonged to the poorest wealth quintile, respectively. Women with 1 child (AOR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.92) and 2 or more children (AOR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.42 to 2.50) were more likely to be overweight/obese as compared to those with none. Living in the Middlebelt region (AOR 2.29; 95% CI, 1.25 to 4.18) or Coastal region (AOR 3.31; 95% CI, 1.39 to 7.90), consumption sugar sweetened beverages and unhealthy sentinel foods (AOR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.57) were all significantly associated with overweight/obesity.eigh CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among females of reproductive age in Ghana. The identified determinants should be considered when developing public health interventions designed to reduce the burden of overweight and obesity.