Background: Overweight and obesity are escalating global problem, causing multiple life threatening non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer [
1] [
2]. Although the burden is particularly heavy in developing countries including Kenya, yet extensive data is still lacking in these countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for obesity and overweight among the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) staff, Langata Campus, Nairobi, Kenya.
Methods and Materials: A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 301 CUEA staff. WHO stepwise-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding respondents’ socio-demographic, lifestyle characteristics and anthropometric. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. Descriptive Data were descriptively analyzed into proportions and frequency tables, while to determine relationships between various variables; One-Way ANOVA was employed. The ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from KNH-University of Nairobi Ethical Review Committee. The institutional permission was granted by the administration of CUEA. The consent was obtained from the respondents before data collection was commenced.
Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the respondents was 47.5% and 36.3% respectively. Based on waist circumference (WC), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among men was 42.6% and 37.2% respectively. While among the women the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 56.8% and 19.5% respectively. The mean BMI (p = 0.006) and the mean WC (p = 0.004) were significantly higher among respondents aged ≤40 years old. Additionally, the mean WC was significantly higher among male respondents compared to the female counterparts (p = 0.003). Daily consumption of vegetables (p = 0.022) and fruits (p = 0.017) was significantly associated with lower WC. While, higher WC (p = 0.015) and BMI (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with daily consumption of fast foods. Respondents who had involved in vigorous intensity physical activity for ≥20 minutes for ≥3 days in a week had significantly lower mean BMI (p = 0.025) and mean WC (p = 0.002) compared to respondents who did not involve in any vigorous intensity physical activity for ≥20 minutes for ≥3 days in a week respectively. Additionally, respondents who had involved in moderate intensity physical activity for ≥30 minutes for ≥5 days in a week had significantly lower mean BMI (p = 0.011) and mean WC (p = 0.023) than respondents who did not involve in moderate intensity physical activity for ≥30 minutes for ≥5 days in a week respectively. Moreover, both mean BMI (p = 0.002) and WC (p = 0.005) were significantly higher among respondents who drink alcohol ≥ 3 standard drinks per drinking occasion compared to those who drink less than 3 standard drinks per drinking occasion.
Conclusion and recommendation: There is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the respondents. Consumption of fast foods and excessive alcohol is a predictor for obesity. While high consumption of fruits and vegetable and engaging in physical activities are protective against obesity. Institution like the Catholic University of Eastern Africa should be involved in lifestyle modification programs that lead to improve nutrition, physical activity and behavioral change.