Prevalence of obesity and dyslipidaemia in a rural black community in Limpopo Province : peer reviewed original article

Abstract

Introduction Obesity has reached the proportions of pandemia. About 1,7 million people worldwide have obesity-related problems. The increase in the prevalence of obesity is related to dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease and arterial thrombosis. Most of the studies concerning these conditions were conducted among urban residents and less in the low socioeconomic rural populations. Aim To determine the prevalence of obesity and dyslipidaemia and, their relationship in a rural black population at Ga-Mothapo villages. Methods Empirical, cross-sectional, prospective and quantitative community-based study. The sample consisted of 382 participants, 286 being females and 96 males aged 18-65 years. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for triglycerides, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated from total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C using Friedewald formula. Height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and a weighing scale, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height. Results in Prevalences Overall prevalence rates were: 10.2% hypertriglyceridaemia, 9.9% hypercholesterolaemia, 6.3% low HDL-C, 13.6% high LDL-C, 23.6% obesity and 30% dyslipidaemia risk. Females prevalence rates were: 11.9% hypertriglyceridaemia, 11.2% hypercholesterolaemia, 6.7% low HDL-C, 15.7% high LDL-C, 29.4% obesity; male prevalence rates were: 5.2%, 6.3%, 4.2%, 7.3% and 6.3%, respectively. Conclusion The study indicated high prevalence of obesity and dyslipidaemia in the rural population studied. Dyslipidaemia was found to be related to BMI. Dyslipidaemia increased with obesity and age in females but irregularly in males. Obesity and dyslipidaemia were thus, highlighted as health problems with risk for dyslipidaemia indicating a high risk for developing arterial thrombosis, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.