Prevalence and epidemiological determinants of obesity in rural Pondicherry, India - A community based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Globally, a significant hike in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been found in almost all age groups. Aims: To determine the prevalence of obesity among adults in a rural area of Pondicherry and to study the risk predictors of obesity in the study population. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the population of two villages of Pondicherry in 2010-12. The sampling frame comprised individuals aged above 25 years and single stage cluster random sampling was carried out. Subjects were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical package version 16. The associations were assessed using Chi-square test and Unpaired T test. Results: The prevalence of obesity among the study participants was 27.3%. Higher prevalence of obesity was observed among individuals who were socioeconomically better off, physically inactive and had a positive family history of Type-2 diabetes mellitus. Of the dietary factors, consuming aerated drink was the significant predictor of obesity. Conclusion: The study revealed that obesity is an important public health problem in the adults of rural Pondicherry. Among the modifiable factors, preference to non-vegetarian / fried food, aerated drinks, and a positive family history of Type-2 diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with the development of obesity.

Keywords

• Obesity
• Body Mass Index
• Diabetes
• Rural