title: [Epidemiologiy of obesity among university students in Douala, Cameroon].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of obesity, its risk factors, and its health risks among students of the University of Douala.
  
  
  METHODS
  In April, 2011, 2696 students volunteered to participate in a screening campaign for diabetes, high blood pressure (HBP), and obesity. Their physical activity (PA) level was also evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample consisted of 1276 (47.3%) men and 1420 (52.7%) women with a mean age of 23.8 ± 3.5 years. The general prevalence of obesity was 4.1%, and it was more common among women (p = 0.043). The age group most highly affected was those 35 years or older, with a prevalence of 39.5% (p<0.02). Among the obese, the risk level was high in 78 (70.9%) women. The prevalence of HBP was higher among obese than non-obese students (20.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.019), and the prevalence of diabetes five times higher (4.5% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.003). Obesity was highly associated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.01), physical inactivity (p = 0.007), and family history of diabetes (p = 0.008).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obesity is a worrisome disorder among students in Douala. Educating students about this topic and developing an obesity prevention and management program may improve their health.
authors.affiliation: Université de Douala, unité de physiologie et science de l'exercice, faculté des sciences, BP 7064 Douala, Cameroun, Université de Douala, département des sciences biologiques, faculté de médecine et des sciences pharmaceutiques, Douala, Cameroun.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Mandengue
authors.affiliation: Département de santé publique, faculté de médecine et des sciences pharmaceutiques, université de Douala, Douala, Cameroun.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bita Fouda
authors.affiliation: Université de Douala, département des sciences biologiques, faculté de médecine et des sciences pharmaceutiques, Douala, Cameroun, Service de diabétologie et endocrinologie, Hôpital Général de Douala, Douala, Cameroun.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Epacka Ewane
authors.affiliation: Université de Douala, unité de physiologie et science de l'exercice, faculté des sciences, BP 7064 Douala, Cameroun.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moumbe Tamba
authors.affiliation: Département de santé publique, faculté de médecine et des sciences pharmaceutiques, université de Douala, Douala, Cameroun.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kollo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cameroon; Douala; obesity; physical activities; students