Perceived Personal, Social and Environmental factors that lead to Obesity among Female Students in Menoufia University

K.Hussein, Dr. Amal Attia; El-Sheikh, Dr Amal Amien; Mostafa Elzyen, Elham Sobhy

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2013.74667

Perceived Personal, Social and Environmental factors that lead to Obesity among Female Students in Menoufia University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing Department Faculty of Nursing – Menoufia University

² Lecturer of Adult Health Nursing Department Faculty of Nursing – Menoufia University

³ Clinical Instructor of Community Health Nursing Department Faculty of Nursing – Menoufia University

10.21608/tsnj.2013.74667

Abstract

Obesity is a metabolic disease in which adipose tissue comprises a greater than normal proportion of body tissue. An individual can be considered to be obese when the amount of body fat increases beyond the point where their health begins to deteriorate. Extreme obesity is often associated with a shortened life expectancy .The study' aim: was to determine the perceived personal, social and environmental factors that lead to obesity among university students. Method and Subjects: A cross sectional design was used. Sample: of 1000 students of the first, second, third and fourth year. Setting: Faculty of Art and Nursing in Shebin Elkom- Menoufia University were chosen by simple random sample. Tools: Three tools were utilized for data collection.I An interview questionnaire including; Sociodemographic data and medical history of the student and her family, Measure some aspects of student's life style as physical activity and eating habits, Students knowledge about obesity II perceived factors to weight maintenance questionnaire III Biophsiological measurement. Results: age of the studied sample ranged from 18-24 years old. 40.8% of the students were overweight, and 1.3% of students were underweight. The result showed lack of time, no safe environment and lack of access to the places for physical activity. There was statistically significant difference between normal vs overweight and obese students regarding support from spouse or family members for physical activity Conclusion: lack of time, no safe environment and lack of access to the places for exercising and unhealthy diet lead to obesity. Recommendations: Future research should study further psychosocial stressors
and educational environmental stressors that influence food selection, preparation and intake also attitude towards health fitness and activity among female students in Menoufia University.

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