Prevalence and correlates of abdominal obesity among adults in Uganda: findings from a national cross-sectional, population based survey 2014

Abstract

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are associated with health complications the gravity of which, vary with the regional deposition of the excess fat. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used to measure obesity although is an inferior predictor of cardiovascular disease risk mortality and morbidity compared with measures of abdominal obesity. We analyzed data from Uganda’s 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to surveillance of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) survey to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors to provide information on the prevention and control of overweight and obesity.MethodsData were collected using the WHO STEPS protocol. Waist measurement was taken using a non-stretchable standard tape measure mid-way between the lowest rib and iliac crest with the subject standing at the end of gentle expiration. Participants with waist circumference > 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women were classified as abdominally obese. We used weighted modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors.ResultsOf the 3676 participants, 432 (11.8%) were abdominally obese; with the prevalence higher among females 412 (19.5%) compared with males 20 (1.3%). Compared with males, female participants were more likely to be abdominally obese Adjusted Prevalence Rate Ratio (APRR) 7.59 [5.58–10.33]. Participants who were married or cohabiting APRR 1.82 [1.29–2.57] and participants who were separated or divorced APRR 1.69 [1.17–2.46] were more likely to be abdominally obese compared with those who had never married before. Compared with rural dwellers, participants from urban areas were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.29 [1.09–1.53]. Compared with participants with normal blood pressure, those with elevated blood pressure were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.83 [1.57–2.14].Compared with participants without any education, those with secondary education were more likely to be abdominally obese APRR 1.42 [1.12–1.78].ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of abdominal obesity among adults in Uganda which puts many at risk of developing associated metabolic complications. These data provide useful information for developing interventions and formulation of policies for the control and prevention of abdominal obesity in Uganda.

Dietary diversity and physical activity as risk factors of abdominal obesity among adults in Dilla town, Ethiopia

“…However, the prevalence of abdominal obesity was much higher in studies conducted in various countries [16][17][18][19][20] as compared to this study. Similar to the previous studies [13][14][15][16][17]19,20], this study also found a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity in females (27.3%) than in males (20.6%).…”

“…It has been demonstrated in a previous study conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that the prevalence of abdominal obesity was 19.6% [13], which is lower as compared to the current study. Similar lower findings were reported in Benin (15.5%) and Uganda (11.8%) [14,15]. However, the prevalence of abdominal obesity was much higher in studies conducted in various countries [16][17][18][19][20] as compared to this study.…”

Epidemiology of Overweight and Obesity in Adults Living in Cameroon: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

“…Unsurprisingly and corroborating previous reports, women had higher prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity than men . This figure matches what was observed in developing countries, where women tend to exhibit higher rates of overweight and obesity than men, which is in opposition to developed countries, where men have higher prevalence rates .…”

Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and central obesity among adults in the Eastern Sudan

“…The reverse (lower prevalence of overweight among men than in women) has been reported in Uganda [15]. The results of several studies conducted in different countries, including Sudan, have shown higher rates of obesity and central obesity among females compared to males [9,16]. For example, a higher rate of obesity in females was reported in Northern Sudan (26.3% vs. 13.8%) [9], and a similar higher rate of central obesity in females was reported in Uganda (19.5% vs. 1.3%) [16].…”

“…Importantly, it is predicated that obesity, a medical condition characterized by an abnormal fat accumulation that is detrimental to health, will put tremendous pressure on the health systems of many Sub-Sahara African countries [8]. Although the nationwide data on the prevalence of overweight are available for some developing countries [2,[14][15][16][17], very limited studies have been reported for Sudan [9]. Accurate information regarding the prevalence of overweight and obesity is important for appropriate public health responses.…”