Factores asociados a la obesidad abdominal en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Católica. Cuenca. 2014

Abstract

Background: Obesity is currently a multifactorial public health problem. Its increase is directly related to comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and others.

Objective: To determine the factors associated with abdominal obesity in students in the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Católica, Cuenca 2014.

Methodology: We conducted an observational, analytical cross-sectional study. We assessed a total of 300 faculty members. Nutritional status, the family history and the physical activity was evaluated through the use of validated test. To determine the association we used the statistical (Odds Ratio) with its 95% confidence interval. It was considered statistically significant results with a p value <0.05.

Results: Of the 300 university students the average age was 21,57 years (SD: 2,59). The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 37% (IC95 %32 - 42), being highest in the age group of 25 a 36 years with 64,9%, as that was more prevalent in females 42,4%. Abdominal obesity of students surveyed is associated with age OR 0,268 (95% CI: 0,130 - 0,551), p = 0.000; with sex OR 1,77 (95%CI: 1,09 - 2,90), p = 0,021; and the sedentary lifestyle OR 2,037 (95%CI: 1,186 - 3,499 ), p = 0.009. Abdominal obesity is a risk factor for hypertension OR 2,797 (95%CI: 1,210 - 6,0), p=0,013.

Conclusion: The prevalence of abdominal obesity is high and is associated with age, female sex and physical activity. And, is a risk factor for overweight, obesity and hypertension arterial.