Obesity and associated comorbidities among adults in Dar es Salaam; a community based study
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Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kairuki University
Abstract
Background
Obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or higher. It is an epidemic
that threatens to overwhelm health care resources by increasing the incidences of
chronic health conditions. For instance, 70% of hypertension, 44% of diabetes, 14%
of heart failure, 23% of ischemic heart disease, and up to 41% of cancer burden is
attributed to obesity. This is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Risk
factors of obesity include unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, genetics as well
as some health conditions and medications. It is preventable by lifestyle modifications
to reduce weight by reducing calory intake and incorporating physical activity.
Broad objective
To determine the prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities; hypertension and diabetes mellitus, among adults in Dar es Salaam community.
Methodology
This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based study among residents in
the five districts of Dar es Salaam. Sociodemographic data were collected by a
structured questionnaire. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and
random blood glucose were measured using standard equipment and procedure.
Results
A total of 260 participants were recruited in the study. Out of 260 participants 83
(31.9%) were obese, and 83 (31.9%) were overweight. Of the obese individuals
42.2% had elevated blood pressure above 140mmHg systolic and/or above 90mmHg
diastolic, 36.1% had a blood pressure in the pre hypertension range (130-139 systolic
and/or 85-89 diastolic). Only 21.7% had normal blood pressure readings. Prevalence
of obesity was highest in the middle age group (43.3%). It was more prevalent among
females (47%), compared to males (16.4%). There were no statistically significant
differences in prevalence of obesity by classes of socioeconomic status.
Conclusion
One third of the participants in this study were obese and more than half of them
were either overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity was higher in women
compared to men, and was highest in the middle age group. It was not affected by
socioeconomic status. Most of the obese individuals had a deranged blood pressure
however there was no significant differences in the RBG (random blood glucose) levels
compared to the non-obese individuals.
Recommendations
Checking of body mass index and/or waist circumference as part of the vitals should
be upheld where practiced and should be introduced where it’s not practiced. Those
identified to be obese should be counselled and educated on the grave consequences
of obesity on health and be prescribed measures to manage their weight. Moreover,
emphasis on women in the community projects aimed at combating obesity such as
health education on proper diet and physical activity should be upheld and introduced
where it’s not being practiced. Further research on other comorbidities of obesity
should be done to shed more light on the negative health effects of obesity
Description
A dissertation entitled in fulfillment of the degree of Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine of Kairuki University
Keywords
Obesity, hypertension, diabetes
Citation
Ally, Fatma K. 2024. Obesity and associated comorbidities among adults in Dar es Salaam; a community based study. Kairuki University