OBESITY AND CHILDBIRTH: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This study was carried out at Suntreso Government Hospital m Kumasi. The study was a descriptive study, set out to find the relationship that exists between childbirth and obesity. There was the need to carry out this research based on the recent postpartum risk for irreversible obesity being recorded in our communities and country at large. In spite of the extent of the problem, little research work has been done on the contributing factors to postpartum obesity. A sample size of the study was eighty (80) was used for the study. The respondents comprised of married and unmarried women who had delivered not more than 12 months ago. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from respondents. This study has enlightened us on the contributory factors of obesity among st women after delivery. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were suggested for implementation: Strengthening of Antenatal and Postnatal clinics Education on effective eating patterns as well as encouraging early ambulation of all newly delivered women and lastly, early screening and effective treatment of all pregnant women who have certain medical and psychiatric conditions. In nursing, the findings of this research can help the Community Health Nurses to design appropriate health education strategy on maintaining appropriate weight after delivery.