Predictors of Obesity Among Nigerian Immigrants in the United States.

Abstract

Obesity is a highly prevalent cardiovascular disease risk factor globally and in African-descent populations. A cross-sectional study of obesity among a Nigerian immigrant sample population in the United States was conducted. Data was obtained through a web-based survey. Spearman's correlation and logistic regression were used to determine sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of obesity. The results showed no significant relationship between obesity and education, socioeconomic status, length of stay, and level of physical activity. However, we identified a significant association between weekly consumption of alcohol and all obesity (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.091, 2.919), and moderate/morbid obesity (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.213, 4.999), and between gender and moderate/morbid obesity-men were less likely (OR .030, 95% CI .001, .733) to be obese. These findings provide strong evidence to inform targeted screening for excessive alcohol consumption along with other primary prevention strategies that may reduce the prevalence of obesity among the Nigerian immigrant population.