ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OBESITY AND LIFESTYLE PRACTICES AMONG ADULTS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN EDO STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Obesity, a growing global concern, has significant health complications. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship the between practices/pattern of lifestyle of the rural population of Igueben and the development of obesity. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 360 participants, aged 29 to 60 years, collecting their biodata, sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle patterns including dietary habits, physical activity, alcohol intake and smoking. Their anthropometry as well as blood pressure and blood glucose were checked and recorded. The mean age of the study population was 45.12±08.23 years with a prevalence of hypertension and diabetes of 14.4% and 32.4% respectively. The majority of the respondents, who were farmers, had a primary level of education. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high. Significantly associated with obesity were increasing age, female sex, and low levels of education. Other factors this study revealed to be closely associated with obesity include increasing hypertension, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, poor sleep and alcohol consumption. Periodic health education will no doubt be beneficial and prevent the concomitant of obesity-related comorbidities.