Determinants of obesity among males from urban, periurban and rural areas of district Ludhiana
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Date
2023
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Punjab Agricultural University
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to examine determinants of obesity among males aged 30-50 years (60 each) from Ludhiana's urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Nutritional status was assessed through different parameters such as anthropometry, body composition, food and nutrient intake, Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI). The required information was collected through a pre-tested questionnaire by personal interview method. It was found that highest proportion of subjects were belonging to 30-35 age group in the three areas. Educational status varied notably across the regions, with the urban area having the highest percentage (53 percent) of individuals holding graduation or higher secondary qualification. Monthly income also varied widely among subjects with more number of urban subjects belonging to high-income category. Urban dwellers had notably higher body weights (91.37 kg), waist and hip circumferences (95.10 and 100.50 cm) and Body Mass Index (BMI) (34.00 kg/m2) as compared to their peri-urban and rural counterparts indicating a potential link between urban living and increased obesity rates. Additionally, the urban group exhibited higher waist-hip (1.26) and waist-height ratios (0.64) along with elevated Coinicity index (CI) (3.06) and Abdominal Volume Index (AVI) (20.21) all pointing towards a higher prevalence of central obesity among urban residents. Dietary habits emerged as a crucial distinguishing factor among these areas as explained by Healthy Eating Index scores of 76.88±4.92 among the rural subjects followed by 62.57±6.84 and 50.94±6.14, suggesting the need for dietary improvement among subjects belonging to three areas. Physical activity levels, assessed through MET values showed significant (p≤0.001) disparities across regions, with rural subjects recording the highest total MET value (696.93 ± 619.42) whereas urban participants displaying the lowest (420.21 ± 432.23). The perceived stress scores were higher than average in all the three areas, but urban subjects opted for binge eating as a coping mechanism. Additionally, alcohol consumption patterns were also significantly (p≤0.001) different with urban subjects demonstrating higher alcohol intake. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice (KAP) score was also assessed and it was reported that rural subjects had better KAP scores in terms of higher attitude and practice score, but comparatively a lower knowledge score. These findings offer valuable insights for tailored interventions and policy development aimed at addressing the complex issue of obesity across these diverse populations.
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Kirti (2023). Determinants of obesity among males from urban, periurban and rural areas of district Ludhiana (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.