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Research Article
Comparative Evaluation of Waist Circumference, Waist-to-height Ratio and BMI for Predicting Obesity in Adolescents in Niamey, Niger
Garba Balarabe Maimouna*,
Almou Abdoulaye Alio
,
Salifou Alkassoum,
Adehossi Eric,
Sabo Seini Haoua,
Sadou Hassimi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
19 November 2025
Accepted:
18 December 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are a global public health concern due to their potential impact on health and their increasing prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of waist circumference and BMI in predicting obesity among adolescents attending public and private schools in Niamey (Niger). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving secondary school students aged 11 to 17. The survey is conducted from 1 April to 30 June 2021. For each student, weight, height and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. The 420 students enrolled, 193 were girls, giving a sex ratio (boys/girls) of 1.17. The average weight is 47.69±13.71kg. The average weight of girls is 49.66±13.57, ranging from 20 to 121kg. The average weight of boys is 46.01±13.62, ranging from 22 to 129.4kg. In girls, waist circumference increases between the ages of 12 and 15, from 60.90±12.93cm to 64.41±11.94cm, peaks at age 16 (67.38±9.58cm) and then decreases to 65.81±8.62cm at age 17. Among boys, the trend is also upward between the ages of 12 (58.63±5.63cm) and 17 (63.75±8.55cm). The waist-to-height ratio decreases between the ages of 12 and 17, with a rebound at age 16 for both girls and boys. In boys, the WHtR decreases from 0.44±0.00 at age 12 to 0.39±0.04 at age 15, rises to 0.41±0.05 at age 16 and then falls to 0.39±0.05 at age 17. The decrease in WHtR during adolescence is very significant (p=0.02). Girls are 2.35 times more likely to be overweight than boys (p=0.29). Overweight is a public health problem among adolescents in schools. It would be beneficial to integrate nutrition education into school curricula at an early stage. This could be an effective strategy with a long-term impact on reducing the prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases in Niger.
Abstract: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are a global public health concern due to their potential impact on health and their increasing prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of waist circumference and BMI in predicting obesity among adolescents attending public and private schools in Niamey (Niger). This is a descript...
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Research Article
Pattern of Antenatal Care Visit Among Pregnant Women in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria:
A Community Base Cross-Sectional Study
Usman Abba*,
Abubakar Musa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
11-15
Received:
16 November 2025
Accepted:
24 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Geidam Local Government Area. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected via a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Epi-info version 7.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 29.5±6.8 years. Most participants (68.3%) attended ANC. The primary reason for attendance was to ensure a better pregnancy outcome (85%). Among attendees, 32.2% had the recommended minimum of three visits. Reasons for non-attendance included cost (36.2%), distance (28.5%), and husband's refusal (8.3%). Factors significantly associated with ANC attendance were age, education, parity, and residence (p<0.05). The study area has a historically high maternal mortality ratio, with a rate of 630 per 100,000 live births reported in a prior study. Conclusion: While most women attended ANC, significant barriers related to accessibility, cost, and sociocultural factors persist. Interventions should focus on female education, subsidized services, improving rural infrastructure, and promoting male involvement to enhance ANC utilization.
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-secti...
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Research Article
Adolescent Abortion Rates and Associated Factors in Vietnam: A Cross-sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
16-20
Received:
6 December 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Adolescent pregnancy and unsafe abortion constitute a global public health crisis, particularly in developing nations. In Vietnam, the rising trend of abortion in this demographic necessitates a profound understanding of associated factors to facilitate timely intervention. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of adolescent abortion and analyze associated demographic, knowledge, and reproductive health behavior factors in Vietnam. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 pregnant subjects (37 adolescents and 385 adults) presenting for abortion in Ho Chi Minh City. Data were collected via direct interviews and analyzed using Stata 17 software, employing Chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR) with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The adolescent abortion rate was 8.77%. The majority of adolescents seeking abortion were students (54.05%) and unmarried (83.78%). Adolescents exhibited a 5.28 times higher risk of irregular contraceptive use compared to adults (OR=5.28; 95% CI: 1.98-17.67). The primary reason for abortion was "continuing education" (48.65%). Knowledge regarding the fertile window was significantly lower among adolescents compared to adults (OR=0.25). Conclusion: The rate of adolescent abortion is alarmingly high and is strongly correlated with deficiencies in reproductive knowledge, marital status, and economic dependence. Enhanced sex education and access to adolescent-friendly contraceptive services are imperative.
Abstract: Background: Adolescent pregnancy and unsafe abortion constitute a global public health crisis, particularly in developing nations. In Vietnam, the rising trend of abortion in this demographic necessitates a profound understanding of associated factors to facilitate timely intervention. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of adole...
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Research Article
Predictors for Delayed First Antenatal Care Visit in Rural Area of Rwanda: Evidence from Rwanda Demographic Health Survey 2019-2020
Japhet Ishimwe*,
Odille Niyibizi,
Aphrodis Tuyishime,
Joseph Imanishimwe,
John Mugisha,
Absolomon Gashaija,
Raphael Ndahimana,
Roger Muragire,
Marie Colombe Munezero,
Gad Binayisa,
Kevin Nwanna Uchechukwu
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
21-32
Received:
12 December 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
29 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20261401.14
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Abstract: Background: Timely commencement of antenatal care (ANC) improves maternal outcomes by reducing complications that often result in death. According to the World Health Organization, 800 women died daily in 2020 from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with almost 95% occurring in low and middle-income countries where Rwanda is located. Therefore, this study aimed to determine predictors of delayed first ANC visits in rural areas of Rwanda. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data, enrolling a weighted sample of 5,060 women who had been pregnant within the five years preceding the survey. Logistic regression modeling identified socio-demographic and maternal characteristics associated with delayed first ANC visits. Results: The prevalence of delayed first ANC visits was 40.2%. After adjustment of variables in a multivariate regression model, factors associated with the delays included low wealth index, marital status, maternal age (25-34 and 35-49), having 2-4 or more than 4 children, and occupation. Health insurance coverage was a protective factor against the delays of ANC. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for interventions at multiple levels to increase timely uptake of the first antenatal care visit, as the study revealed socio-demographic and maternal factors that significantly influence delays in initiating antenatal care.
Abstract: Background: Timely commencement of antenatal care (ANC) improves maternal outcomes by reducing complications that often result in death. According to the World Health Organization, 800 women died daily in 2020 from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with almost 95% occurring in low and middle-income countries where Rwand...
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