ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 12 (1), pp. 001-005, January, 2023. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Obesity prevalence and its associated factors in an urban and rural area of Abuja Nigeria
Adediran Olufemi Sola1, Okpara Ihunanya Chinyere1*, Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen2, Jimoh Ahmed Kayode3
1Department of Internal Medicine, P. M. B. 102119, Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria.
2Department of Physiology, P. M. B. 102119, Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria
3Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria
Accepted 28 November, 2022
Abstract
There is a global rise in the prevalence of obesity in both developed and developing countries reaching epidemic levels. It has therefore become an important health issue globally. This study aims at determining the prevalence of obesity in an urban and rural area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja – Nigeria. In a cross sectional community based study, and by a stratified random sampling method, 229 subjects were selected. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic characteristics. Anthropometric data were measured by standard methods. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated and in conjunction with waist WC were used as measures of obesity. The overall prevalence of obesity was 22.3%. Prevalence rates were higher in the urban area than rural area (40.7% versus 4.3%, χ2 =43.81,p <0.001). Obesity was more prevalent in women than men (36.2% versus 8.0%, χ2 = 26.37, p<0.001) and was significantly associated with little or no education (OR= 3.100, p = 0.001). The prevalence of obesity in the urban area was much higher than in the rural area. This was mainly due to nutritional transition and lack of education.
Keywords: Obesity, prevalence, urban, rural.