Zeitschrift für neuartige Physiotherapien

Abstrakt

Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity and Undiagnosed Hypertension among Military Personnel in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Salamatu U Aliyu, Adetoyeje Y Oyeyemi, Dominic G Udoh and Oyeyemi AL

Background: Hypertension and overweight/obesity are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, but prevalence data on these conditions are not readily available among occupational groups in Nigeria.

Purpose: To determine prevalence of overweight/obesity and undiagnosed hypertension and their association with Sociodemographic characteristics among military personnel in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 385 military personnel. Blood pressure (BP), height and weight were assessed using standardized procedures. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and BMI was classified according to WHO criteria.

Result: Prevalence of overweight/obesity and undiagnosed hypertension among military personnel in Maiduguri were 155 (40.3) and 32 (8.3%), Prevalence was significantly (p<0.001) higher among military personnel of 30-45 years old compared to their younger and much older counterparts and also among married military personnel compared to those not married (p<0.001). No difference was found for prevalence by gender, educational qualification and rank of military personnel (p>0.05). Being 30-45 years, ≥ 45 years or older and being married was positively associated with prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and overweight/obesity. Whereas senior rank was negatively associated with overweight/obesity (OR=0.73, CI=0.28-1.90) and hypertension (OR=0.89, CI=0.17-4.69).

Conclusion: Comparable prevalence of obesity and undiagnosed hypertension were found among military personnel in Maiduguri. Findings shows higher prevalence of obesity among this cohort of military personnel suggests intervention measures for this group.