Overweight and obesity among African immigrants in Oslo

BMC Research Notes

Aneth J Mbalilaki²  Abdi A Gele¹ 

[1] Section for International Health, Department of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway;Institute of Sport and Biology, The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway

关键词: Physical activity;    Immigrants’ health;    Obesity;    Overweight;   

Others  :  1143085
DOI  :  10.1186/1756-0500-6-119

 received in 2012-06-11, accepted in 2013-03-18,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

Norway is experiencing an increase in overweight/obese adults, with immigrants from developing countries carrying a heavy burden. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Somali immigrants in Oslo.

Findings

A cross-sectional study involving 208 respondents aged 25 and over was conducted among Somali immigrants in Oslo, using a structured questionnaire. Prevalence of overweight/obesity varied by gender, with women having a significantly higher prevalence (66%) than men (28%). The mean BMI for females and males were 27.4 and 23.6, respectively. Similarly, 53% of women and 28% of men were abdominally obese. In a logistic regression analysis, both generalized and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with increasing duration of residence in Norway, and with being less physically active.

Conclusion

Public health policymakers should facilitate an environment that enables Somali immigrants, particularly women, to lead healthy lifestyles. In this time of epidemiological transition, health education in the areas of physical exercise and healthy eating should be a major focus for working with new immigrants.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Gele and Mbalilaki; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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