Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in a Burkina Faso Urban Area: Prevalence,Associated Factors and Comorbidities

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome is not just a problem of the developed countries but is also with a growing trend in developing countries, especially in urban areas. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the urban population living in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and to investigate the factors and comorbidities associated with them. Methods: Data were collected in two rounds (in March and December 2011) from two different neighbourhoods (peripheral and central) of Ouagadougou. We included all over 20 year old volunteers’ subjects (excluding pregnant women). All characteristics were collected during face-to-face interviews. We used international standards to define obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The statistical analysis used chi-square (chi 2) tests and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: 632 subjects with a mean age of 41.3 ± 6.8 years [20-75 years] and sex ratio (men/women) of 0.9were included in this survey. Overall crude prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome were respectively 30.5%, 22% and 7%. Compared with normal weight participants, obese individuals had more hypertension, diabetes or impaired fasting glucose (p=0.000), and they were more likely to be older, women, employed and living in the central neighbourhood. Obesity was found in 81.8% of subjects with metabolic syndrome. On bivariate analysis, those with the metabolic syndrome were female, older, and obese Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in urban Burkina Faso is high. There is a need to pay closer attention to combating these health disorders. An important place must be reserved for the prevention and the fight against obesity by appropriate lifestyle.