Some risk factors of obesity in rural women of Zarrindasht: using linear regression odds ratio

Background: Obesity is becoming a world wide health problem, affecting all groups of age, sex
and economy. This important problem is a major risk factor for some diseases. The prevalence of
obesity not has been well studies in the rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the
prevalence of obesity and some of the relevant risk factors in women of Zarrindasht rural areas
using the odds ratio estimated from the regression approach.
Methods and Materials: In a cross-sectional study in 2005, a number of 920 women in fertility age
from rural areas of Zarrin-Dasht, at eastern part of Fars province were selected by random multi
stage sampling. Correlation ship between BMI and some variables including age, education level,
number of children, socio-economic status and mean duration of breast feeding were evaluate. The
age and education level of their husbands were also considerved. Odds ratio (OR) was using both
logistic regression approach and the linear regression procedure (without dichotomizing). BMI of
25 or higher was considered as over weight or obesity
Results: The studied women aged between 17 to 47 years old and the prevalence of over weight
(25<BMI<30) and obesity (BMI≥30) was 30% and 14% respectively. In both statistical models,
significant associations were found among husbands education, number of children, socioeconomic
status and increasing risk of obesity. Precision of linear regression approach in
estimating OR was higher than that of logistic regression.
Conclusions: It is concluded that, similar to the urban areas, the obesity is highly prevalent in the
rural population. This can potentially affect the health of rural community and needs consideration.
Prevention and control of obesity are recommended to be as of health program priorities.