Abstract:
Weight management poses a significant challenge for college students during their
period of growth and development. As a result, this study was conducted to examine
weight perception and weight management practices among female teacher-trainees at
Offinso College of Education (OFCE). The study employed descriptive and
correlational survey research techniques. A sample of 396 female teacher-trainees
from OFCE was selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through the
use of structured questionnaires. Findings indicated that majority (94.7%) of the
female teacher-trainees were familiar with weight management issues. Among the
various weight management behaviours identified, walking emerged as the most
commonly practiced behaviour among the female teacher-trainees. There was
significant difference ( 2 17.73
,
p
0.038
) between body weight satisfaction and
perceived weight status of the participants. Majority of the participants (61.6%) were
very satisfied with their body weight status. Among the female teacher-trainees who
were very satisfied with their body weight, 13.85% perceived themselves to be
underweight, 45.02% normal weight, 35.94% overweight and 5.19% obese.
Significantly, positive association occurred between perceived weight and the actual
weight status of OFCE teacher-trainees (Person’s correlation = 0.203, P-value <
0.01). The study emphasized the significance of introducing educational and
awareness program in academic settings to foster a healthy understanding of weight
and encourage students to develop appropriate body image perceptions.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Sports
Faculty of Science Education, submitted to the school of
Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Health Physical Education, Recreation and Sports)
in the University of Education, Winneba
