Research Article
Comparative Evaluation of Waist Circumference, Waist-to-height Ratio and BMI for Predicting Obesity in Adolescents in Niamey, Niger
Garba Balarabe Maimouna*,
Almou Abdoulaye Alio
,
Salifou Alkassoum,
Adehossi Eric,
Sabo Seini Haoua,
Sadou Hassimi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
19 November 2025
Accepted:
18 December 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are a global public health concern due to their potential impact on health and their increasing prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of waist circumference and BMI in predicting obesity among adolescents attending public and private schools in Niamey (Niger). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving secondary school students aged 11 to 17. The survey is conducted from 1 April to 30 June 2021. For each student, weight, height and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. The 420 students enrolled, 193 were girls, giving a sex ratio (boys/girls) of 1.17. The average weight is 47.69±13.71kg. The average weight of girls is 49.66±13.57, ranging from 20 to 121kg. The average weight of boys is 46.01±13.62, ranging from 22 to 129.4kg. In girls, waist circumference increases between the ages of 12 and 15, from 60.90±12.93cm to 64.41±11.94cm, peaks at age 16 (67.38±9.58cm) and then decreases to 65.81±8.62cm at age 17. Among boys, the trend is also upward between the ages of 12 (58.63±5.63cm) and 17 (63.75±8.55cm). The waist-to-height ratio decreases between the ages of 12 and 17, with a rebound at age 16 for both girls and boys. In boys, the WHtR decreases from 0.44±0.00 at age 12 to 0.39±0.04 at age 15, rises to 0.41±0.05 at age 16 and then falls to 0.39±0.05 at age 17. The decrease in WHtR during adolescence is very significant (p=0.02). Girls are 2.35 times more likely to be overweight than boys (p=0.29). Overweight is a public health problem among adolescents in schools. It would be beneficial to integrate nutrition education into school curricula at an early stage. This could be an effective strategy with a long-term impact on reducing the prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases in Niger.
Abstract: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are a global public health concern due to their potential impact on health and their increasing prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of waist circumference and BMI in predicting obesity among adolescents attending public and private schools in Niamey (Niger). This is a descript...
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Research Article
Pattern of Antenatal Care Visit Among Pregnant Women in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria:
A Community Base Cross-Sectional Study
Usman Abba*,
Abubakar Musa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
11-15
Received:
16 November 2025
Accepted:
24 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20261401.12
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Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Geidam Local Government Area. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected via a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Epi-info version 7.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 29.5±6.8 years. Most participants (68.3%) attended ANC. The primary reason for attendance was to ensure a better pregnancy outcome (85%). Among attendees, 32.2% had the recommended minimum of three visits. Reasons for non-attendance included cost (36.2%), distance (28.5%), and husband's refusal (8.3%). Factors significantly associated with ANC attendance were age, education, parity, and residence (p<0.05). The study area has a historically high maternal mortality ratio, with a rate of 630 per 100,000 live births reported in a prior study. Conclusion: While most women attended ANC, significant barriers related to accessibility, cost, and sociocultural factors persist. Interventions should focus on female education, subsidized services, improving rural infrastructure, and promoting male involvement to enhance ANC utilization.
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-secti...
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