Obesity and Hypertension among market traders in Uyo Metropolis

Nkereuwem N.  Ekerette; Catherine A.  Oladoyinbo; Joy I.  Effiong

doi:10.18502/ijdo.v17i4.20036

Nkereuwem N. Ekerette Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Catherine A. Oladoyinbo Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Joy I. Effiong Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdo.v17i4.20036

Keywords: Body mass index, Waist circumference, Blood pressure, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Market traders face an increased risk of chronic diseases due to prevailing conditions inmarketplaces. This study assessed obesity and hypertension among 421 traders in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference [WC]) andblood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained using standard protocols. Overweight and obesity weredefined as BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² and ≥30 kg/m², respectively; abdominal obesity (AOB) as WC ≥102 cm (men)and ≥88 cm (women); and hypertension as systolic BP≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP≥ 90 mmHg. Physicalactivity (PA) was assessed using the IPAQ short form.

Results: The prevalence of overweight, obesity, AOB, and hypertension were 39.2%, 23.4%, 47.3%, and24.2%, respectively, while low PA was 9.0%. Predictors of increased BMI included AOB (AOR= 5.2; 95% CI:3.1-8.9) and age 31–50 years (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI: 1.6-5.3). The strongest predictors of AOB were female sex(AOR= 10.3; 95% CI: 5.5-19.5), age ≥51 years (AOR= 4.0; 95% CI: 1.3-12.2), and increased BMI (AOR = 5.7;95% CI: 3.2-10.0). Hypertension was most strongly associated with age ≥51 years (AOR= 9.5; 95% CI: 3.1-29.3), monthly income ≥ ₦100,000 (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4-12.9), increased BMI (AOR= 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.6) and AOB (AOR= 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2-3.6).

Conclusion: Obesity and hypertension were highly prevalent among traders, underscoring the need for regularscreening and behavioral interventions for prevention and management.