Socioeconomic status and obesity in Abia State, South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background and objectives

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in developed and emerging economies. There is a paucity of data from Nigeria on the association between socioeconomic status and obesity. The aim of this study is to highlight that association in Abia State, South East Nigeria.

Material and methods

This was a cross-sectional survey in South East Nigeria. Participating subjects were recruited from the three senatorial zones of Abia state. A total of 2,487 adults took part in the study. The subjects were classified based on their monthly income and level of educational attainment (determinants of obesity). Monthly income was classified into three groups: low, middle, and upper income, while educational level was classified into four groups: no formal education, primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Body mass index of subjects was determined and used for defining obesity. Data on blood pressure and other anthropometric measurements were also collected using a questionnaire, modified from the World Health Organization STEPwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of obesity in low, middle, and upper income groups was 12.2%, 16%, and 20%, respectively. The overall prevalence of obesity in individuals with no formal education, primary, secondary, and tertiary education was 6.3%, 14.9%, 10.5%, and 17.7%, respectively. Educational status was found to be significantly associated with obesity in women, but not in men, or in the combined group. However, level of income was observed to be significantly associated with obesity in men, women, and in the combined group.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors are important determinants of obesity in our study population, and therefore may be indirectly linked to the prevalence and the outcomes of cardiovascular disease in Nigeria.

Keywords:

• obesity
• body mass index
• BMI
• income
• education
• socioeconomic status
• Naira (₦)

Acknowledgments

The data used in this study was obtained from Abia State Ministry of Health survey on non-communicable disease risk factors using the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. The study was undertaken in 2011. It was pioneered by Dr OS Ogah, Honourable Commissioner for Health. The projected was supported financially by Health Systems Development Project II.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.