Obesity and Hypertension among Adults in South-South Nigeria

A bstract Background: Obesity and hypertension constitute two important risk factors for non-communicable diseases worldwide, including Nigeria. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among adults in South-South Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, South-South, Nigeria, adopted multi-stage sampling techniques to select participants. Measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure (BP) were conducted following standard procedures. General obesity and abdominal obesity (AOB) were assessed using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Hypertension was indicated by systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, and statistical significance was established at P < 0.05. Results: The study included 1179 adults (32.8 ± 8.6 years old), comprising 63.9% rural dwellers and 50.3% females. Overweight, general obesity, and AOB were 20.1%, 12.6%, and 20.9%, respectively. Pre-hypertension and hypertension were 48.3% and 27.0%, respectively. Increased BMI and AOB related significantly with hypertension, P < 0.001. Physical activity related significantly with increased BMI ( P < 0.001) and AOB ( P = 0.004), but not with hypertension. Increased BMI, AOB, and hypertension all differed by age, P < 0.001. Increased BMI ( P = 0.006) and hypertension ( P = 0.003) differed by income. Conclusion: Obesity and hypertension were prevalent among adults in South-South Nigeria. Sociodemographic factors were important in prevalence of both obesity and hypertension in the population. Wider screening and follow-up care for obesity and hypertension are needed to forestall possible outbreak of chronic diseases in the region.