Prevalence of overweight and obesity and intentions of healthcare workers of the public community clinics on New Providence, The Bahamas

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of overweight and obesity and weight control intentions of health care workers (HCWs) of the public community clinics on New Providence, The Bahamas. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Using a cross-sectional study design, 163 HCWs of eight clinics were surveyed. Participants completed a questionnaire indicating weight control intentions and had weight, height and abdominal circumferences measured. Data were analysed using IBMSPSS, v 21. RESULTS: Of 163 participants, 92.0% (150) were females. Overall, mean (± SD) age was 44 (± 11.10) years. Healthcare workers were grouped into three main categories physicians 8.0% (13), nurses 41.1% (67) and other HCWs 50.9% (83). The majority (68.5%; 111) of the participants had high-risk abdominal circumferences. Combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 81.6% (133); 26.4% (43) were overweight and 55.2% (90)obese. Of the males, 23.1% (3) were overweight and 69.2% (9) obese. Of females, 26.7% (40) were overweight and 54.0% (81) obese. More than half (55.8%; 91) of HCWs misperceived their body mass index (BMI); 85.3%(139) of HCWs had weight concerns, 48.2% (67) were in a planning phase of change, another 48.2% (67) were in an action phase and a small percentage, 3.6% (5), were not ready to make any changes. Most (90.7%; 147) participants expressed a greater willingness to participate in a workplace healthy lifestyle programme, mean wellness inclination score of 15.3 (± 3.78).CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare workers had high-risk abdominal circumferences. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 81.6%. Many misperceived their BMI, were concerned about their BMI status and were inclined to make changes for a healthier weight.