Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding their own body weight in selected public hospitals in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background. Obesity has been cited as a public health problem in both developing and developed countries. There is evidence that rates of obesity have increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Africa (SA), especially those who do night shifts, with a negative effect on health. Perceptions of body weight contribute significantly to the desire to lose weight or not to do so. Objective. To determine perceptions of HCWs regarding their own body weight in selected public hospitals in Mpumalanga Province, SA. Methods. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 210 HCWs were sampled. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements such as weight and height were objectively measured and body mass indices (BMIs) were calculated. Results. Of the sample of HCWs 82.4% were females, with a mean age of 37.8 years. About half (51.9%) were obese and 21.4% were overweight. They tended to misperceive their body weight compared with actual BMI classification, with the majority of obese and overweight individuals considering themselves to be of normal weight. Conclusions.The results indicate that HCWs misclassify their own body weight, which is a risk factor for obesity. It is important to focus on the health of this group of workers, on whom the health of South Africans depends and who should be the drivers of healthy living for all. Correct classification of their own body weight will encourage people to take action in a bid to combat their own and others' obesity.

Level of Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Primary Healthcare Workers in Perak, Malaysia

“…Compared to the general population, in which only 33.5% of people were found to be physically inactive, a higher percentage of primary healthcare workers in this study did not actively engage in physical activity, yet they spent greater time in sedentary activities (median of five hours). This finding is consistent with other studies reporting that the majority of healthcare workers were physically inactive [ 17 , 19 , 21 ]. A possible explanation for low physical activity among primary healthcare workers includes the sedentary nature of their work [ 23 , 30 ].…”

“…Unfortunately, there are still very few updated studies to determine the physical activity levels among healthcare workers. Nevertheless, considering the current literature, previous studies have shown a high incidence of physical inactivity among healthcare workers worldwide [17][18][19][20][21], with obese healthcare workers showing a higher likelihood of physical inactivity [22][23][24]. In addition, several studies also found an association between physical activity level and socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, marital status, occupational level and income.…”

Central obesity and normal-weight central obesity among adults attending healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa: a cross-sectional study

“…Although genetics play an important role in the obesity epidemic [ 3 ], other factors play an important role too, including nutritional transition as a result of urbanisation and westernisation, which promotes the neglect of traditional healthy diets, less physical activity and the consumption of westernised, energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages [ 46 , 47 ]. Also, a poor perception regarding weight still persists among African adults; sometimes, a large body size is erroneously perceived as a sign of affluence [ 21 , 32 , 48 ]. Considering the deleterious effect of central obesity, there is an urgent need to implement measures that can help to curtail this rising health concern, by creating awareness on the health implications of excessive visceral fat (central obesity) among the populace.…”

Epidemiological Profile of Obesity among Health Staff at the Yaoundé Central Hospital and at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital

“…Instead, not only they are not spared by this global plague, they appear to be the most affected professionals. The reason may be the fact that most of them, having false perception of their own weight [12], do not change their lifestyle to a healthy one, and one thing leading to another, they are less likely to counsel their patients to do the same.…”

“…Similarly, Dovonou et al in Benin found that about a quarter of the staff of Borgou Regional University Teaching Hospital were obese [11]. This high proportion of obesity and the wrong perception that these health workers have of their weight in Africa [12] interfere with their ability to adopt healthy attitudes and habits and advise their patients to do the same.…”