Journal of Occupational
Health and Epidemiology
Rafsanjan university Of medical sciences
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Spring 2026)
J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026, 15(2): 101-108 |
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Hashim S A, Ibrahim A H, Abdulateef A M. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Students at Southern Technical University in Basrah, Iraq; A Cross-Sectional Study (2024-25). J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026; 15 (2) :101-108
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URL: http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-1170-en.html
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1- Associated Prof., Dept. of Community Health, Technical Medical Institute, Southern Technical University, Basrah, 61001, Iraq. , saman.hashim@stu.edu.iq
2- Associated Prof., Dept. of Community Health, Technical Medical Institute, Southern Technical University, Basrah, 61001, Iraq.
2- Associated Prof., Dept. of Community Health, Technical Medical Institute, Southern Technical University, Basrah, 61001, Iraq.
Article history
Received: 2026/02/19
Accepted: 2026/10/3
ePublished: 2026/10/5
Accepted: 2026/10/3
ePublished: 2026/10/5
Subject:
Epidemiology
Abstract: (24 Views)
Background: University students are constituting a significant demographic amid rising obesity rates. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among students at Southern Technical University (STU) in Basrah, Iraq, as well as to explore the associated socio-demographic factors.
Materials & Methods: Data were collected from 1006 undergraduate university students at STU using a stratified sampling method as a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements were performed to calculate body mass index (BMI), with classifications based on World Health Organization criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 27.5% (overweight: 19.1%; obesity: 8.4%). Statistical analysis indicated a statistically significant association between age and BMI category (p=0.007), with higher prevalence in older age groups (21–23 years and 27–30 years). Age and female gender were identified as significant independent predictors for elevated BMI.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate a significant overweight and obesity burden in this student population, consistent with regional trends of rising obesity rates. The findings highlight the need for further research to identify modifiable risk factors as well as to guide the development of evidence-based public health interventions targeting this important population.
Materials & Methods: Data were collected from 1006 undergraduate university students at STU using a stratified sampling method as a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements were performed to calculate body mass index (BMI), with classifications based on World Health Organization criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 27.5% (overweight: 19.1%; obesity: 8.4%). Statistical analysis indicated a statistically significant association between age and BMI category (p=0.007), with higher prevalence in older age groups (21–23 years and 27–30 years). Age and female gender were identified as significant independent predictors for elevated BMI.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate a significant overweight and obesity burden in this student population, consistent with regional trends of rising obesity rates. The findings highlight the need for further research to identify modifiable risk factors as well as to guide the development of evidence-based public health interventions targeting this important population.
Keywords: Overweight [MeSH], Obesity [MeSH], Students [MeSH], University [MeSH], Body Mass Index [MeSH], Iraq [MeSH]
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