Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Obesity among Population of Urban (Douala) and Rural (Manjo) Areas in Cameroon
Table 4
Knowledge of obesity among population of Douala and Manjo according to BMI.
Frequency (%)
Normal weight BMI [18.5-25] ()
Overweight BMI [25-30] ()
Obesity
()
Have you ever heard of obesity?
Yes
96.7%
97.6%
92.8%
ns
No
3.3%
2.4%
7.2%
Do you think obesity is a disease?
Yes
80.8%
76.5%
78.6%
ns
No
19.2%
23.5%
21.4%
Do you think that obesity is hereditary?
Yes
48.4%
61.6%
59.0%
0.0126
No
51.6%
38.4%
41.0%
How do you define obesity?
Self-perception
42.4%
48.3%
50.0%
ns
By scientific calculation
33.3%
30.7%
43.8%
Other evaluation
26.0%
23.2%
13.1%
Do you know the BMI prescribed by the World Health Organization?
Very well
33.3%
30.4%
31.7%
ns
Somewhat familiar
33.5%
38.4%
37.9%
Not at all familiar
33.2%
31.2%
30.4%
What are the health problems that can occur when a person is overweight or obese?
Increased risk of chronic conditions (such as heart/cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, certain types of cancer, respiratory difficulties, chronic musculoskeletal problems, skin problems, and infertility)
86.3%
84.5%
87.2%
0.0234
Reduced quality of life
29.3%
40.8%
59.3%
Premature death
27.6%
35.2%
52.8%
Other
9.3%
16.3%
28.3%
Do not know
4.4%
4.3%
7.2%
Can you tell me the reasons why people are overweight or obese?
Increased/excessive intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and/or sugar
85.9%
86.1%
85.9%
0.0027
Lack of or decreased physical activity
59.0%
61.6%
76.6%
Sedentary lifestyle
21.9%
36.3%
53.8%
Heredity
31.3%
39.7%
52.8%
Psychological factors
19.7%
29.6%
41.4%
Medication
16.1%
21.6%
33.8%
Other
4.9%
6.7%
23.8%
Do not know
1.3%
1.3%
4.1%
How can people prevent overweight and obesity?
Reduce energy intake (less high-energy foods and drinks)/reduce the intake of fatty and sugary foods
75.7%
77.9%
86.6%
ns
Eat vegetables and fruits more often
52.8%
57.9%
72.1%
Eat legumes/whole-grain products more often
21.8%
31.2%
44.1%
Regularly consume hot drinks (teas, tisanes…)
40.0%
45.9%
61.7%
Increase physical activity level/engage in regular physical activity
