Abstract
Wealth index is a known predictor of body mass index (BMI). Many studies have reported a positive association between BMI and socioeconomic status (SES). However, an in-depth investigation of the relationship between BMI and wealth index is lacking for urban slum settings. To examine the association between BMI and wealth index in an urban slum setting in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 2003 adults between 40 and 60 years of age were included. BMI was derived from direct weight and height measurements. Wealth Index was computed using the standard principal component analysis of household amenities ownership. The relationship between BMI and wealth index was assessed using both linear and logistic regression models. We found that BMI linearly increased across the five quintiles of wealth index in both men and women, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The prevalence of obesity increased from 10% in the first wealth quintile to 26.2% in the fifth wealth quintile. The average BMI for women entered the overweight category at the second quintile wealth status, or the third quintile for the total population. There exists a strong positive relationship between BMI and wealth index in slum settings. Health promotion interventions aimed at reducing obesity may consider using wealth index in priority setting.
Highlights
Wealth index is a known predictor of body mass index (BMI)
In light of the transitions to a higher prevalence of obesity in low-income groups, especially among women, this study extends our knowledge of understanding of the relationship between body composition and socioeconomic status (SES) in urban slum settings
Based on the findings of this study, it is evident that there exists a strong positive relationship between BMI and wealth index in slum settings, even after accounting for anticipated confounders
Summary
Wealth index is a known predictor of body mass index (BMI). A summary measure of socioeconomic status (SES), is a well-known predictor of body mass index (BMI) and vice versa. Many studies have reported a strong and positive association between BMI and SES at least in LMICs. While an important global public health concern, higher prevalence of overweight and obesity remains concentrated in higher socioeconomic groups within LMICs [7]. While an important global public health concern, higher prevalence of overweight and obesity remains concentrated in higher socioeconomic groups within LMICs [7] In this regard, some studies have gone beyond the study of associations between BMI and SES, to using SES as a predictor of Obesity [8, 9]. An overweight/obese or rounder body frame is desired and cambridge.org/gheg perceived as an indicator of economic success rather than an indicator of poorer health [10]
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