Description
Background: Central obesity affects approximately 4 out of every 10 people globally, and it is a notable public health concern linked with premature morbidity and mortality. In Kenya, regional studies have approximated the prevalence to range from 37% to 50%. However, these studies have been performed in specific regions or population groups, such as among urban residents or women. Therefore, we aimed to assess the general and sex-specific prevalence and determinants of central obesity among adults in Kenya.
Methods: An analysis of the prevalence and determinants of central obesity was performed using data from the 2015 Kenya STEPwise survey on noncommunicable diseases and injuries. We included a final sample of 4,003 participants. The participants' characteristics and prevalence of central obesity were described and summarized in terms of frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the determinants of central obesity.
Results: The overall weighted prevalence of central obesity was 46.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 43.2, 50.3], with women exhibiting a significantly greater prevalence than men did (58.3% vs. 35.6%, p=0.001). Sex, age, the household wealth index, and smoking were among the factors significantly associated with central obesity. Compared with women, men had 66% lower odds of central obesity, while the risk increased with age, ranging from 1.6- to 4-fold higher odds among those aged 30- 39 years and 50- 69 years, respectively, than among those aged 18- 29 years. Other predictors of central obesity were wealthier households and nonsmokers.
Conclusion: Approximately half of the adult Kenyan population is centrally obese, with a higher prevalence among women than men. Kenya's policymakers should consider targeting high-risk groups in this population to reduce the burden of central obesity.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Academic Institution |
| Position | Reseach assistant |
| Received a Grant? | No |
