Prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure among bankers in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many developed and developing societies. Overwhelming evidences from epidemiological, prospective cohort and intervention studies, have linked most NCDs to unhealthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among bankers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured in 260 professional bankers from 56 bank branches in Lagos. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33.5 years + 5.7, majority (64.6%) were married and 51.9% were males. About half (52.7%) of the respondents had a first degree The study showed that 40.4% of the respondents had BMI above 24.9more of the females (71.5%) had truncal obesity compared to 35.1% of the males. Increasing age was associated with being overweight. Almost one third (29.6%) of the respondents had elevated blood pressure, males, obese and bankers above the age of 40years were more likely to have elevated blood pressure. Conclusion: The study showed that a significant proportion of individuals in the banking profession are overweight and hypertensive. The management of every bank should invest in periodic health promotion, screening and wellness programs for their employees.

 Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Noncommunicable Disease, Obesity

High Med Res J 2013;13:12-16