Analysis of Correlation between the Socioeconomic Environment and Level of Nutrition in the Population of Serbia: A Part of the National Survey

Abstract

Being overweight is one of the leading health problems of the 21st century. In different parts of Europe, different overweight statuses are noted. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the socioeconomic environment and the level of nutrition in the Serbian population. This research is part of the fourth national survey of the health of the population of Serbia. It was conducted as a descriptive, cross-sectional study. For the purposes of this research, the adult population over the age of 20 was included, and 12,439 respondents were analyzed. The nutritional status was assessed by the body mass index value—BMI. In order to investigate the differences between groups, the chi-squared test was used. The risk of being overweight was evaluated by calculating the odds ratio value, using univariate and multivariate regression. The prevalence of obesity was higher in females than in males, but pre-obesity was more common among male respondents. Males in the age category 55–64 years old, married, employed, with a higher level of education and material status were more likely to be overweight. As for the females, being overweight was most common among unemployed and economically inactive respondents, widowed/divorced, aged 65–74, with a primary school educational level and low material status. The level of nutrition is significantly associated with the socioeconomic environment.