Prevalence and Predictors of Obesity among Undergraduate Students at a Private University, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Background: Obesity, especially central obesity, is a major risk factor for car diovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes, known for their significant morbid ity and mortality. University students are at increased risk of obesity due to adoption of unhealthy lifestyles and school-related stress. However, there is scant information regarding the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among university students in Kenya. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with general and abdominal obesity among undergra duate students of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed among undergraduate students (n = 245) of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Lifestyle risk factors associated with obesity were collected using a structured ques tionnaire adopted from the WHO STEP-wise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance. Anthropometric measures of weight, height, and waist circumference were appropriately measured. The data were ana lyzed using SPSS software (ver: 22). The chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression was used to establish an association between de pendent and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity was 19.6% and 27.8%, respectively. Risk factors of general obesity were age ≥ 20 years (OR, 9.95; 95% CI, 3.09 - 32.08, p < 0.001), se dentary lifestyle (OR, 11.36; 95% CI, 2.08 - 61.96, p = 0.005), staying with parents (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.09 - 9.58, p = 0.035), consumption of fast/processed foods (OR, 7.83; 95% CI, 1.90 - 32.21, p = 0.004). Risk factors for abdominal obesity were being female (OR, 38.76; 95% CI, 5.07 - 296.54, p < 0.001), staying with parents (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.14 - 7.99, p = 0.026) and sedentary lifestyle (OR, 6.55; 95% CI, 1.80 - 23.81, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Being female, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of fast/processed foods were found as predictors of obesity. Behavioural intervention is required to mitigate the burden of obesity among university students in Kenya. This can be achieved through promoting intervention programmes that lead to changing the built environment, counseling, and behavioral-lifestyle modifi cation of students.