COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY DETERMINANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TARGETED HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

Childhood obesity is an emerging public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where it coexists with persistent undernutrition, creating a double burden of malnutrition. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of childhood obesity among school-aged children (6–14 years) in Nasarawa State to guide targeted health interventions. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 261 participants selected through multistage sampling from urban and rural schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, dietary practices, physical activity, and obesity-related knowledge, alongside anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Findings revealed that 26.4% of respondents had been informed they were overweight or obese. Significant associations were observed between obesity perception and frequency of fruit consumption (p = 0.0031), soft drink intake (p = 0.0018), engagement in structured physical activities (p = 0.0027), exercise duration (p = 0.0007), and emotional eating (p = 0.0374). Urban residence, female gender, and higher socioeconomic status were linked to increased obesity risk, whereas regular physical activity was protective. Despite high awareness (83.9%) of obesity-related health risks, a knowledge–behavior gap persisted, with many participants failing to adopt healthier lifestyles. This study concludes that childhood obesity in Nasarawa State is driven by a complex interplay of dietary, behavioral, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. Addressing this issue requires multi-sectoral strategies integrating nutrition education, promotion of physical activity, restriction of sugar-sweetened beverages, and psychosocial support. Interventions should be culturally appropriate, school-centered, and reinforced through community engagement to achieve sustainable impact.