Prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors in Afyonkarahisar-Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate obesity prevalence and risk factors for obesity in Afy- onkarahisar province. Material and Methods: In this study, we used the data of 1947 subjects who were selected with convenience sampling after stratification regarding age and gender ratios, in 75 different regions of the province, including city centers and rural areas. Sociodemographic features thought to pose a risk for obesity, like diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), coronary artery disease (CAD), hyperlipidemia, history of smoking, low back pain and number of pregnancies were evaluated. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 and logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors in men and women. Results: Obesity prevalence was found to be 31.7% (%95 confidence interval= 29-34%) in our region (20.7% in males, 39.8% in females). Obesity was more prevalent in 60-69 age group in men, 50-59 age group in women; the prevalenve decreased by aging. In all age groups, obesity prevalences in women were quite higher than men. Obesity was more prevalent in hypertensive women (53.7%) and men (35.7%). Being diabetic was important for obesity in males but not in females. In women who experienced low back pain, the obesity prevalence was higher; but this difference was not observed in males. It was detected that the women with low education level and who experienced ≥5 pregnancies were more obese. In men, as the income got higher, the obesity prevalence decreased, but there was no difference in women. While low back pain, age, hyperlipidemia and young age-marriage were important risk factors for obesity in females; in males hyperlipidemia, not smoking and age were important risk factors. Conclusion: Obesity is an important health problem in our region suppose. We suppose that obesity prevalence can be reduced taking these risk factors into consideration. © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.