2024/07/13 by Alikor, Chizindu A, Nwafor, Chibuike Eze
#Niger Delta #Predictors #Prevalence #generalised obesity #rural
paper · doi:10.60787/tnhj.v16i3.245
Background Obesity, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases has become a global epidemic even in the developing nations of the world. Epidemiologic transition is a variable implicated in this. The prevalence of obesity a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders like hypertension, heart failure, etc has not been richly studied in the rural setting of the Nigerian Niger Delta region despite the increasing urbanisation in same region. Aim is to determine the prevalence and predictors of obesity in a rural farming community of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria Methods A cross sectional study involving 388 subjects aged 15 years and above. Demographic, social and relevant medical information were obtained using a questionnaire administered by face-to-face interview. Anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference, Waist-Hip-Ratio) and blood pressure measurements were done. Blood sample taken for fasting blood sugar. Results The overall mean age of the study subjects was 40.88±16.52. The mean age for males was 40.66±17.23 and females 40.98±16.17. Male to female ratio was 1:2.1. The prevalence of generalised obesity was 3.4% .Females had higher prevalence than males (p= 0.02). The prevalence of obesity highest in the 50 to 59 years age group. Correlation analysis of BMI with other parameters revealed that educational status, waist circumference, and hypertension had significant association while logistic regression confirmed these variables as predictors of obesity. Conclusion The prevalence of obesity in this rural community is 3.4% and educational status, waist circumference and hypertension are important predictors.