Sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for obesity among community-dwelling older adults in Ghana and Nigeria: A secondary analysis of data from the SIREN study

Authors

• Onoja M. Akpa, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Akinkunmi P. Okekunle, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Fred S. Sarfo, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology
• Rufus O. Akinyemi, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Albert Akpalu, University of Ghana
• Kolawole W. Wahab, University of Ilorin
• Morenikeji Komolafe, Obafemi Awolowo University
• Reginald Obiako, Ahmadu Bello University
• Lukman Owolabi, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
• Carolyn Jenkins, MUSC College of Nursing
• Adeoye Abiodun, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Godwin Ogbole, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Bimbo Fawale, Obafemi Awolowo University
• Joshua Akinyemi, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Atinuke Agunloye, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Ezinne O. Uvere, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Adekunle Fakunle, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
• Bruce Ovbiagele, UCSF School of Medicine
• Mayowa O. Owolabi, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among older adults from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data obtained from the SIREN study through in-person interviews and measurements from healthy stroke-free older adults (≥60 years). Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index ≥25 kg/m². Abdominal obesity was defined as waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of >0.90 for males and >0.85/females or waist circumference (WC) of >102 cm for males/>88 cm for females. Adjusted odds ratio (aORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) of the relationship between obesity and sociodemographic factors were assessed at P < 0.05. Results: Overall, 47.5% of participants were overweight/obese, 76.6% had a larger than recommended WHR, and 54.4% had a larger than recommended WC. Abdominal obesity (WC; aOR: 9.43, CI: 6.99–12.50), being a Nigerian (aOR: 0.55; CI: 0.42–0.72), living in an urban setting (aOR: 1.92; CI: 1.49–2.46), earning >$100/month (aOR: 1.53; CI: 1.19–1.96), and having formal education (aOR: 1.42; CI: 1.08–1.87) were associated with overweight/obesity. Conclusion: Living in urban settings, earning a higher income, and having a formal education were associated with a higher odds of obesity among older adults from LMICs.

Publication Title

Chronic Illness

Recommended Citation

Akpa, O., Okekunle, A., Sarfo, F., Akinyemi, R., Akpalu, A., Wahab, K., Komolafe, M., Obiako, R., Owolabi, L., Jenkins, C., Abiodun, A., Ogbole, G., Fawale, B., Akinyemi, J., Agunloye, A., Uvere, E., Fakunle, A., Ovbiagele, B., & Owolabi, M. (2023). Sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for obesity among community-dwelling older adults in Ghana and Nigeria: A secondary analysis of data from the SIREN study. Chronic Illness, 19 (1), 40-55. https://doi.org/10.1177/17423953211054023