The role of teachers in the prevention and management of childhood obesity among school-aged children in Ghana
A cross-sectional study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22072939 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chantal Kayitesi (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, corresponding author), Nadia Tagoe (0000-0002-3229-8353, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), Princess Ruhama Acheampong (0000-0002-3161-6487, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1724617-1724617 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-03 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1724617 |
| PMID | 41415238 |
| OpenAlex | W4416936180 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
Background School-based interventions have been widely used in the prevention and control of childhood obesity. Teachers, as pivotal figures in child development, are strategically situated to aid in this process. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence regarding their role, awareness, and contribution to childhood obesity in Ghana. This study evaluated the role of teachers in the prevention and management of childhood obesity in Ghana. Materials and methods This quantitative, cross-sectional study included 74 teachers selected through convenience sampling from public schools in the Oforikrom Municipality of Kumasi, the capital of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Data were gathered using a structured pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using the R programming software. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with teacher’s participation in childhood obesity prevention programs. Results The study revealed that 46% of teachers were familiar with childhood obesity with only 33.8% of teachers familiar with its causes. Significant institutional hurdles included resource restrictions (46%), insufficient training (24.3%), and time constraints (12.2%). Chi-square analysis revealed that teachers’ participation in childhood obesity prevention was significantly associated with socioeconomic conditions ( p = 0.016), challenges faced ( p = 0.022), perception of physical activity ( p = 0.012), physical education practices ( p = 0.006), outdoor play promotion ( p = 0.026), health screenings ( p = 0.002), healthy eating education ( p = 0.002), and counseling practices ( p < 0.001). However, the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant determinants of teachers’ participation. Conclusion The results highlight the necessity for specific measures, including professional development initiatives, institutional policy modifications, and resource distribution, to improve teachers’ ability to combat childhood obesity. Policymakers ought to incorporate comprehensive school health initiatives into the curriculum, prioritizing physical exercise and nutritious food
Child health · Childhood obesity · Early childhood · Health professionals · Obesity · Physical activity · Public health · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · School Health and Nursing Education
Childhood Obesity
Projected U.S. State-Level Prevalence of Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity
What childhood obesity prevention programmes work? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Obesity
Schools and health
Childhood Obesity in the Perception of Children, Families and Health and Education Professionals
Perception of parents, teachers, and nutritionist on childhood obesity and barriers to healthy behavior
Educators’ experiences and perspectives of child weight discussions with parents in primary school settings
Effective health promoting school for better health of children and adolescents
Childhood obesity in urban Ghana
Non-communicable diseases among adolescents
| Highly cited | No |
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