Contribution of Information and Communication Technology to the Prevalence of Obesity and Elevated Blood Pressure among Secondary School Students in Nigeria

The study was designed to evaluate contributions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure among students in Ogbomoso Girls' High School, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Sample population of 120 female's students aged 11-22 years were randomly selected from the school for the study. Skin fold measures at triceps, thigh and supra-iliac of the subjects were taken at the right side of the body. Percentage Body Fat (PBF) of the subjects was calculated from the values derived from body density (P.B.F. 570/D(B)-4.142)x100. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the subjects on their eaten pattern and activity level. Results showed that, the subjects had high percentage body fat, high percentage body mass index and high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results also indicated insignificant relationship between eaten pattern and percentage body fat, while there were indication of significant relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and activity level of the subjects. Increased physical exercises were a strategy postulated for preventing and managing obesity and elevated blood pressure.