Prevalence of overweight and obesity in community health agents in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, 2017.

Abstract

Objective To analyze overweight and obesity prevalence among community health agents in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, according to sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected in 21 municipalities between March 2016 and May 2017. Weight and height data were self-reported by participants. Multinomial logistic regression was used. Results Data from 564 community health agents were analyzed, 0.5% were classified as underweight, 29.8% as having normal weight, 39.2% were overweight and 30.5% were obese. Presence of obesity was negatively associated with working in rural area health centers (OR=0.58 - 95%CI 0.34;0.98) and doing physical activity (OR=0.57 - 95%CI 0.36;0.90); presence of obesity was positively associated with anxiety (OR=1.97 - 95%CI 1.12;3.45), hypertension (OR=2.91 - 95%CI 1.63;5.18), and diabetes (OR=6.25 - 95%CI 2.15;18.21). Conclusion Overweight and obesity prevalence was high and associated with chronic diseases, anxiety, physical inactivity and working in urban areas.