Prevalence and Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents in Schools in Benin in 2016

Introduction Overweight and obesity are considered to be global public health concerns. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 and involving 3968 adolescents of 10 to 19 years from 40 secondary schools in Benin. Participants were selected using a 2-level random sampling technique. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed using Epi Info and Stata softwares. Associated factors were investigated by a logistic regression. Results Mean age was 16.54 ± 0.04 years and sex ratio was 1.16. The prevalence of overweight was 8.1% and that of obesity was 1.6%. Associated risk factors were female gender, sedentary lifestyle, consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages. Consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, age over than 15 years were protective factors. Conclusion Overweight and obesity among school adolescents are increasing in Benin. The establishment of a school nutrition program and the promotion of regular physical activity should contribute to reducing their prevalence.

Determinants of High Blood Pressure and Quality of Management in Three Regions of Benin

Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence, associated factors and quality of high blood pressure (HBP) management in three regions of Benin in 2015. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study, with two components. The first component included adults aged from 18 to 69 years, selected using a three-stage random sampling within the households. Data were collected thanks to the French version of the WHO STEPS instrument. Anthropometric data, including blood pressure, capillary fasting glucose and total cholesterol were measured according to standard procedures. The second component included Public Health Centers (PHC) selected by a random stratified multi-stage sampling. Data were collected on the structures and the processes of HBP management using the standardized tool for assessing the capacities of management of non-communicable diseases in peripheral health centers provided by the World Health Organization. Results: A total of 4816 participants were included in the first component. The mean age was 35.8 ± 12.7 years. The weighted prevalence of HBP was 27.9% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) [25.6 - 30.2]). It was higher in the 60 - 69 years compared to the lower age groups (Adjusted Odd-ratio (ORa) = 5;95% CI [3.9 - 6.5)]). HBP was positively associated with urban residence (ORa = 1.26;95% CI [1.24 - 1.28]), obesity (ORa = 1.46;95% CI [1.43 - 1.50]), hyperglycemia (ORa = 1.13;95% CI [1.10 - 1.15)]) and hypercholesterolemia (ORa = 1.64;95% CI [1.59 - 1.70)]). A total of 27 PHC were included in the second component. Taking blood pressure and other anthropometric measurements was not routine in PHC. Several essential medicines were not available in the PHC. A low level of community involvement in the management of HBP was noted. Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of HBP and shows inadequacies in its management in the targeted PHC. More appropriate prevention and control measures for HBP should be implemented.

Diabetes and Its Treatment Quality in Benin (West Africa): Analysis of Data from the STEPS Survey 2015

Aims: Diabetes is a major public health problem in low and middle-income countries. This study 1) estimated prevalence and factors associated with hyperglycemia in Benin, and 2) assessed the treatment quality of diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional research was conducted with two components. The First component has included 4954 subjects aged (18 - 69) randomly selected in Mono/Couffo and Donga regions. Data were collected according to WHO’s STEPS approach. Capillary blood glucose was measured using the automat Cardiocheck®PA. The Second component considered Public Health Centers (PHCs) within the study regions. Health system established for diabetes control, healthcare practices and the level of involvement of the Public Healthcare Providers and community actors in the management of diabetes have been explored. Findings: A total of 4775 subjects participated in the first component with a predominance of women (56.8%), rural residence and aged (Conclusion: Diabetes prevalence goes increasingly in Benin when its management is inadequate in PHCs. Prevention and control actions should be strengthened.