Title:Post COVID-19 Lockdown in Ghana: What is the Wellbeing Status of the
Young Adults?
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Afrifa Daniel, Asamoah Benjamin, Kwofie Emmanuel Amankrah, Asamoah-Mensah Anthony, Medes Francis Osei, Adedugbe Benjamin Oluwole, Moses Mojisola Kemi, Emikpe Abigael Omowumi, Moses Monday Omoniyi*Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho
Affiliation:
- Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Keywords:
COVID-19, BMI, cardiovascular diseases, dietary control, SEM, ANOVA.
Abstract:
Introduction: Although optimal wellbeing of young adults (YA) is a vital asset for
productivity and measurable and sustainable development, there is a dearth of information on the
wellbeing status of YA, especially after the COVID-19 lockdown in Ghana. The study has established
the post-lockdown wellbeing status of YA in the COVID-19 pandemic epicenters of Ghana.
Methods: The wellbeing status of 1783 (24.49 ± 4.62 year) Ghanaian YA from Kumasi, Accra,
and Kasoa (known epicentres of COVID) was assessed in this cross-sectional study. Body mass
index (BMI) was calculated, and physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual states were
assessed.
Results: More females were found to be overweight (315, 17.7%) and obese (160, 9.0%) compared
to males. The majority (714; 40.0%) of the young adults were between the ages 25-30 years
and overweight, with a mean BMI of 25.46 ± 4.67 kg/m2. Overall, 157 (8.8%) had poor, 755
(42.3%) average, 479 (26.9%) good, while 392 (22.0%) had outstanding wellbeing. Specifically,
the average grade was recorded for physical (29.07 ± 6.67), spiritual (29.32 ± 6.80), and intellectual
(28.29 ± 6.56), while ‘good grade’ was obtained for social (32.16 ± 5.13) and emotional
(31.54 ± 5.07) dimensions of wellbeing.
Conclusion: Average Ghanaian YA in the study were overweight (BMI value) and had average
wellbeing, which may suggest the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Educational and physical activity
interventions with meticulous dietary control and proper understanding of family history, age
and genetic factors will help to improve the wellbeing of Ghanaian YA.
