Modifiable Socio-Behavioural Factors Associated with Overweight and Hypertension among Persons Aged 35 to 60 Years in Eastern Uganda
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLoS ONE
Abstract
Few studies have examined the behavioural correlates of non-communicable, chronic disease risk in lowincome
countries. The objective of this study was to identify socio-behavioural characteristics associated with being
overweight or being hypertensive in a low-income setting, so as to highlight possible interventions and target groups.
Methods: A population based survey was conducted in a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) in eastern
Uganda. 1656 individuals aged 35 to 60 years had their Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) assessed. Seven
lifestyle factors were also assessed, using a validated questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify sociobehavioural
factors associated with being overweight or being hypertensive.
Results: Prevalence of overweight was found to be 18% (25.2% of women; 9.7% of men; p,0.001) while prevalence of
obesity was 5.3% (8.3% of women; 2.2% of men). The prevalence of hypertension was 20.5%. Factors associated with being
overweight included being female (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.69–5.08), peri-urban residence (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.46–3.01), higher socioeconomic
status (OR 4.1; 95% CI 2.40–6.98), and increasing age (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.12–2.79). Those who met the
recommended minimum physical activity level, and those with moderate dietary diversity were less likely to be overweight
(OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.35–0.65 and OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.49–3.01). Factors associated with being hypertensive included peri-urban
residence (OR 2.4; 95%CI 1.60–3.66), increasing age (OR 4.5; 95% CI 2.94–6.96) and being over-weight (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.98–
3.98). Overweight persons in rural areas were significantly more likely to be hypertensive than those in peri-urban areas
(p = 0.013).
Conclusions: Being overweight in low-income settings is associated with sex, physical activity and dietary diversity and
being hypertensive is associated with being overweight; these factors are modifiable. There is need for context-specific
health education addressing disparities in lifestyles at community levels in rural Africa.
Description
Keywords
Socio-Behavioural, Overweight, Hypertension, Eastern Uganda
Citation
Mayega RW, Makumbi F, Rutebemberwa E, Peterson S, Ostenson C-G, et al. (2012) Modifiable Socio-Behavioural Factors Associated with Overweight and Hypertension among Persons Aged 35 to 60 Years in Eastern Uganda. PLoS ONE 7(10): e47632. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0047632