Obesity, hypertension and hyperglycaemia prevalence and associated factors among adults in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the increased prevalence, high morbidity, and mortality associated with obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia in developing countries, there is limited knowledge about these conditions in Abuja Municipal Area Central (AMAC), Abuja, Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia, as well as their associated factors, in this population, as the prevalence is higher in Metropolitan areas.

Methods: This study employs a descriptive and cross-sectional design. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 309 adults in the Abuja Municipal Area. Body mass index, blood pressure and glucose level were assessed following standard procedures. Stata version 12 was used for data entry and analysis. The chi-square test was used to determine associations between categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia was 16.5%, 22.8%, and 5.6%, respectively. Age (>50 years) and gender (Male) were significant predictors of obesity.  Age (>50 years) and obesity were predictors of hypertension (p<0.001), (OR= 28.84: (95% CI:  3.05 -272.82).

Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension and hyperglycaemia in Abuja was similar to other parts of Nigeria. Age and gender were predictors of obesity, while age and obesity were predictors of hypertension. Targeted aggressive educational campaigns and other wellness programs should be employed to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among adults in Abuja.