Socioeconomic status and obesity among semi-urban Nigerians.
OBJECTIVE
The relation between socioeconomic status (SES) and obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been inconsistent.


METHODS
This study examined the prevalence of obesity and SES/obesity relations in 1,067 adults aged 30-60 years from a semi-urban Nigerian population. A structured questionnaire validated by a pictorial selfrating ladder was used to determine the participants' SES.


RESULTS
SES was found to be inversely related (p < 0.010) to weight and BMI, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for obesity among lower SES individuals were OR 2.4 and CI 1.91-2.88 compared with OR 2.9 and CI 2.42-3.39 in those of the middle and higher socioeconomic strata. Among males, the OR and 95% CI for obesity among lower SES individuals were OR 1.9 and CI 1.21-2.59 compared with OR 1.7 and CI 1.00-2.39 in those of the middle and higher socioeconomic strata. Among females, the OR and 95% CI for obesity among lower SES individuals were OR 3.0 and CI 2.32-3.68 compared with OR 4.7 and CI 4.02-5.38 in those of the middle and higher socioeconomic strata.


CONCLUSIONS
SES was inversely associated with the risk of obesity, with a higher prevalence of obesity in the lower socioeconomic stratum of the semi-urban Nigerian population.
Mbada
Chidozie E
CE
Department of Physiotherapy, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. doziembada@yahoo.com
Adedoyin
Rufus A
RA
Ayanniyi
Olusola
O
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012923:Social Class; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*