Knowledge of implication obesity on reproductive health among women of reproductive age in Ibadan South-west local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Obesity is one of the risk factors lo non-communicable diseases and it is characterized by an excess of adipose tissue in the body. It has also been implicated in reproductive health challenges confronting women including infertility. However, knowledge and attitude of Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) on the implications of obesity on their reproductive health status have not been fully explored among Nigerian WRA. This study was conducted to investigate knowledge of implications of obesity on reproductive health among WRA in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area in Oyo State. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 500 W R A from six communities. Semi structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude towards obesity. Obesity was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Age was 29.9±8.7 years with 56.0% having tertiary education and 60.0% had biological children. Prevalence of obesity was 18.6% and 52.4% had abdominal obesity. Few respondents mentioned reproductive health problems influenced by obesity to include infertility (34.4%), obstructed labor (33.0%), delivery by caesarian section (26.0%), fibroid (4.0%) and menstrual disorders (3.0%). Majority (86.8%) had poor knowledge of the implications of obesity on reproductive health. Respondents (90.4%) had favorable disposition towards obesity and knowledge was found not significant in different with age (p>0.05). Conclusion: Poor knowledge was observed among the respondents. This implies the need for sensitization on the negative implications of obesity on reproductive health.