318-LB: Acanthosis Nigricans and Obesity among College Students on Guam

Abstract

Obesity has been associated to Acanthosis nigricans (AN), but there is a dearth in studies regarding this association in Pacific Islander populations. Data collected pertaining to health indicators of obesity in a cross-section of students—recruited to participate in the Pacific Islands Cohort on College Students (PICCS) during August to December 2017, was analyzed. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the relationship between obesity (obese and non-obese groups decided by using Body Mass Index (BMI)) and AN (presence/absence) of a non-random sample of 303 college students (CS) at the University of Guam. Of 299 CS, mean age was 21 ± 6 years and 45% were males and 55% were females. Anthropometric measurements were taken by undergraduate research students trained to use standardized stadiometer, weight scale, and measuring tape and ascertain AN presence/absence (neck area). Of 299 CS, height mean was 164 ± 32 cm and weight mean was 72 ± 20 kg. Of 294 CS, waist circumference mean was 88 ± 28 cm. The BMI mean of 299 CS was 27 ± 7. The relationship between presence/absence of AN in obese and non-obese groups was statistically significant, X2 (N = 282) = 16.37, (p = 0.000). Of 282 participants, 21.5% of the obese group had AN present while 5.1% of the non-obese group had AN present as well. These results may be further investigated and may assist in raising awareness regarding the association between obesity and AN presence/absence to the people of Guam; which may better assist in strategies of obesity screening. Disclosure V.D.C. Flisco: None. Y.C. Paulino: None. Funding National Institutes of Health