Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in selected health areas in a rural health district in Cameroon: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Background Overweight and obesity are major public health problems worldwide, with projections suggesting a proportional increase in the number of affected individuals in developing countries by the year 2030. Evidence-based preventive strategies are needed to reduce the burden of overweight and obesity in developing countries. We assessed the prevalence of, and factors associated with overweight and obesity in selected health areas in West Cameroon. Methods Data were collected from a community-based cross-sectional study, involving the consecutive recruitment of participants aged 18 years or older. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the WHO classification. The statistical software R (version 3.5.1, The R Foundation for statistical computing, Vienna, Austria) was used for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess independent factors associated with overweight and obesity, and obesity. Results Records of 485 participants were included for analysis. The age and sex-standardized prevalence of overweight, obesity, and overweight and obesity were 31.1% (95% CI, 27.0–35.2), 18.9% (95% CI, 14.9–22.9), and 50.1% (95% CI, 45.7–54.6), respectively. In multivariable analysis, being female (adjusted OR [aOR] = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.69–4.63), married (aOR = 3.90, 95% CI = 2.23–6.95), and having secondary or tertiary education (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.77–6.17) were associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity, while current smokers had lower odds of overweight and obesity (aOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.16–0.82) when compared to their respective counterpart. Compared to their respective reference categories, being female being (aOR = 3.74, 95% CI = 2.01–7.30), married (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.37–5.05) and having secondary or tertiary education (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.00–4.23) were associated with higher odds of obesity after adjustments for confounding. Conclusion We observed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this study. The odds of overweight and obesity was higher in females, married participants, and those with higher levels of education. Community-based interventions to control overweight and obesity should consider targeting these groups.

Epidemiological characteristics of different patterns of obesity among adults in rural communities of south-east Nigeria: a population-based cross-sectional study

“…General obesity alone and combined obesity were more likely among those with any form of formal education; significance was observed with general obesity alone. This is in line with the report of Simo et al [ 26 ] but contrary to the report of lower risk of obesity among educated women [ 21 ]. Our finding may be attributed to consumption of energy dense foods which according to Simo et al [ 26 ] may be a function of improved economic status associated with higher education.…”

“…This is in line with the report of Simo et al [ 26 ] but contrary to the report of lower risk of obesity among educated women [ 21 ]. Our finding may be attributed to consumption of energy dense foods which according to Simo et al [ 26 ] may be a function of improved economic status associated with higher education. That education improves literacy and understanding, promotes better life style choices and helps the development of good health habits depends on the ability of the individual to live by what has been learnt.…”

Overweight and obesity in south central Uganda: A population-based study

“…Older age was consistently associated with a greater prevalence of overweight and obesity, consistent with past studies in Uganda [13,21] and other sub-Saharan African countries [22][23][24][25]. Female sex was also associated with higher probability of overweight and obesity.…”

Prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst patients with diabetes and their non-diabetic family members in Senwabarwana, Limpopo province, South Africa

“… 8 A South African study has reported that 56%, 49% and 75% of white men, African men and women were overweight or obese, respectively. 9 Obesity prevalence amongst Africans was attributed to cultural attitudes towards fatness. 8 It was found that culture affects body image and size perceptions from an early age and that exclusive body shape and weight ideals are recognised amongst different cultures.…”