Prevalence and factors associated with abdominal and total obesity among low-income urban population of Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

AbstractObesity is a major risk factor for most non-communicable diseases whose burden has been rising rapidly in low and middle-income countries. To develop public health interventions to address the increasing burden of overweight and obesity, estimates of the prevalence and associated factors are needed in specific populations. The study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with total obesity and abdominal obesity among low-income adults in Kiambu County, Kenya. This community-based cross-sectional survey involved 1656 adults residing in Kiambu County. Multistage sampling was used in the selection of participants. Data were collected by trained community health volunteers (CHVs) in their respective sub-counties using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The CHVs also took anthropometric measurements using relevant tools and standard procedures. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participants’ characteristics and proportions of adults with obesity. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with obesity. The mean age of participants was 40.8 (±14.3) years The overall prevalence of total obesity (body mass index [BMI]>30 kg/m2) was 28.8% (95% CI, 26.6%-30.9%), with a higher prevalence observed among females [33.6% (95% CI, 31.1%-36.2%)] than males [12.5% (95% CI, 9.6%-16.3%)]. A third (33.3%) of the participants were overweight (25<BMI < 30 kg/m2). The prevalence of abdominal obesity as measured by waist-height-ratio (WHtR) was 79.8%, by waist circumference (WC) was 74.0%. Obesity/overweight by BMI was associated with female gender, increasing age, monthly income, while abdominal obesity by WHtR/WC was associated with female gender, increasing age and cigarrete smoking. In conclusion, the prevalence of total obesity and abdominal obesity was high in the population. Public health strategies focusing on weight reduction and maintenance strategies are urgently needed among low-income adults.