Weight management practices among female Teacher-Trainees of Offinso College of Education in Ghana

Abstract

Weight management poses a significant challenge for college students during their period of growth and development. As a result, this study was conducted to examine weight perception and weight management practices among female teacher-trainees at Offinso College of Education (OFCE). The study employed descriptive and correlational survey research techniques. A sample of 396 female teacher-trainees from OFCE was selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires. Findings indicated that majority (94.7%) of the female teacher-trainees were familiar with weight management issues. Among the various weight management behaviours identified, walking emerged as the most commonly practiced behaviour among the female teacher-trainees. There was significant difference ( 2 17.73   , p  0.038 ) between body weight satisfaction and perceived weight status of the participants. Majority of the participants (61.6%) were very satisfied with their body weight status. Among the female teacher-trainees who were very satisfied with their body weight, 13.85% perceived themselves to be underweight, 45.02% normal weight, 35.94% overweight and 5.19% obese. Significantly, positive association occurred between perceived weight and the actual weight status of OFCE teacher-trainees (Person’s correlation = 0.203, P-value < 0.01). The study emphasized the significance of introducing educational and awareness program in academic settings to foster a healthy understanding of weight and encourage students to develop appropriate body image perceptions.