Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: November | Volume: 7 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1-8
Prevalence of Obesity in Rural and Urban Areas of Puducherry and Comparison of Its Correlates and Comorbidities among Obese and Non-Obese Individuals
Dr. Ramya. M. R1, Dr. Seetharaman. N2, Lokeshmaran. A3, Dr. Hema Priya. S4
1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, SriVenketeshwara Medical College & Research Center, Puducherry.
2Professor and Head, 3Statistician,
Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry.
4Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, IRT, Perundurai Medical College, Perundurai, Erode, Tamil Nadu.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ramya.M.R
ABSTRACT
Background: Obesity is a cluster of non-communicable diseases called “New World Syndrome” and is one of the most neglected public health problems. Obesity is the risk factors for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and many more diseases. Aims: To document the prevalence of obesity among adults in Rural and Urban areas of Puducherry and to compare the prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension among obese & non-obese individuals.
Methods and Materials: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural and urban areas of Puducherry among 20-60 years age group by simple random sampling technique and 237 individuals were selected from each group. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and height, weight, and blood pressure and blood sugar values were recorded. The data were analyzed and the prevalence was expressed in percentage. Chi-square and unadjusted odds ratios were also used.
Results: The overall prevalence of obesity was 20.46%. The prevalence of obesity among urban area (29.53%) was significantly higher than the rural area (11.39%)(P< 0.001).The prevalence of obesity was statistically significant with family history of obesity, high intake of junk food(p< 0.001). About 55.67% and 69.1% were diabetic and hypertensive and their prevalence were significantly higher among obese individuals (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity were found to be high and hence it can be prevented by changing the lifestyle modification and routine screening of all obese individuals is important for early identification of various comorbidities so that many complications can be prevented.
Key words: Obesity, New World Syndrome, Public health problem, Diabetics, Hypertension