Prevalence of Obesity and Metabolic Derangement Among the Rural Population of Kiulu District of Sabah, Malaysia: A Health Screening Programme Findings

Abstract

Malaysia has high prevalence of general and central obesity which can be signified by measurements of BMI and waist circumference respectively. Both parameters are established risk factors and predictors for non-communicable diseases including diabetes and hypertension. A health screening program was conducted in a rural district of Sabah, Malaysia where a total of 42 participants were examined for weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and capillary blood glucose. Mean age of the participants was 52.4 ± 14.9 years old. General obesity based on BMI was 42.9% while central obesity based on waist circumference was 26.2%. Proportion for hypertension and hyperglycemia were equal at 33.3%. BMI was strongly correlated to waist circumference (r=0.873, p<0.001). Moreover, both BMI and waist circumference were independently correlated with systolic blood pressure (r=0.418, p=0.006 and r=0.383, p=0.012 respectively). Finally, systolic blood pressure was directly correlated with weight of the participants (r=0.350, p=0.023). Findings during this health screening program were comparable to currently available data. Further study with more detail assessment are recommended to truly reflect the health status of rural district communities in Sabah.