Interest in healthy living outweighs presumed cultural norms for obesity for Ghanaian women
2006

Ghanaian Women's Views on Body Image and Health

Sample size: 305 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Duda Rosemary B, Jumah Naana Afua, Hill Allan G, Seffah Joseph, Biritwum Richard

Primary Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Hypothesis

Would Ghanaian women change their body image for a healthier life?

Conclusion

Ghanaian women are willing to reduce their body size to lower the risk of obesity-related illnesses.

Supporting Evidence

  • 94.9% of women were aware of health risks associated with obesity.
  • 47.8% preferred a smaller ideal body image than their current body image.
  • Women aged 50 and younger were more likely to change their body image for health reasons.

Takeaway

Most Ghanaian women want to be healthier and would change their body size if it helps them avoid getting sick.

Methodology

A questionnaire was administered to 305 Ghanaian women, including health questions and body image assessments.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the selection of women attending specific clinics.

Limitations

The study may not represent all Ghanaian women due to selection bias and communication barriers.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 35.9 years, 71.1% married, 94.4% educated.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Confidence Interval

1.64 – 2.51

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7525-4-44

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