Gender Differences in Factors Associated with Obesity and Hypertension among Staff in a Nigerian University

Introduction and Aims: Hypertension and obesity are two major global public health challenges with significant implications for both employee productivity and overall well-being. This research sought to ascertain the association between gender and the prevalence of overweight, hypertension, and obesity among university employees in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and ten academic and nonacademic staff members of Edo University Iyamho, located in Edo State, Nigeria, participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were assessed under normal protocol. The Chi-square test and the Student’s independent t -test were used to evaluate the data, with P < 0.05 considered being statistically significant. Results: The average age of study participants was 39.8 ± 8.3 years, and 73.5% were married. 49.3% of people were overweight or obese. Males were much more likely to be overweight (91.2%) than females (80.7%), while females were significantly more likely to be obese (19.3%) than males (8.8%). The prevalence of abdominal obesity was higher in women (86.3%) than in men (16.5%). Females had a greater body mass index (27.7 ± 2.6) than males (26.9 ± 2.1); males had a larger waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; 0.9 ± 0.0) than females (0.8 ± 0.1). Males had a higher systolic blood pressure (118.3 ± 12.8) than females (114.6 ± 11.1). 8.3% of employees had hypertension, which was more common in men (13.2%) than in women (5.6%), and it was most common among employees weighing between 76 and 95 kg in both sexes. Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are linked to occupation among female university employees, while weight and WHR are significantly correlated with hypertension. Both genders have high rates of obesity and overweight, with male staff having higher prevalence. Gender-specific health interventions are needed to reduce these risks and improve workplace productivity.