Obesity and Hypertension among market traders in Uyo Metropolis

Abstract

Objective: Market traders face an increased risk of chronic diseases due to prevailing conditions inmarketplaces. This study assessed obesity and hypertension among 421 traders in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference [WC]) andblood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained using standard protocols. Overweight and obesity weredefined as BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² and ≥30 kg/m², respectively; abdominal obesity (AOB) as WC ≥102 cm (men)and ≥88 cm (women); and hypertension as systolic BP≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP≥ 90 mmHg. Physicalactivity (PA) was assessed using the IPAQ short form. Results: The prevalence of overweight, obesity, AOB, and hypertension were 39.2%, 23.4%, 47.3%, and24.2%, respectively, while low PA was 9.0%. Predictors of increased BMI included AOB (AOR= 5.2; 95% CI:3.1-8.9) and age 31–50 years (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI: 1.6-5.3). The strongest predictors of AOB were female sex(AOR= 10.3; 95% CI: 5.5-19.5), age ≥51 years (AOR= 4.0; 95% CI: 1.3-12.2), and increased BMI (AOR = 5.7;95% CI: 3.2-10.0). Hypertension was most strongly associated with age ≥51 years (AOR= 9.5; 95% CI: 3.1-29.3), monthly income ≥ ₦100,000 (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4-12.9), increased BMI (AOR= 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.6) and AOB (AOR= 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2-3.6). Conclusion: Obesity and hypertension were highly prevalent among traders, underscoring the need for regularscreening and behavioral interventions for prevention and management.