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. 2020 Jun 3;20(1):850.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09004-w.

Trends, prevalence and associated factors of obesity among adults in a rural community in Thailand: serial cross-sectional surveys, 2012 and 2018

Boonsub Sakboonyarat  1 , Chanyut Pornpongsawad  2 , Tanatip Sangkool  2 , Chidapha Phanmanas  2 , Nithitchaya Kesonphaet  2 , Nirutti Tangthongtawi  2 , Ammiga Limsakul  2 , Ramita Assavapisitkul  2 , Titipatara Thangthai  2 , Patcha Janenopparkarnjana  2 , Pijitra Varodomvitaya  2 , Wichayada Dachoviboon  2 , Janepoj Laohasara  2 , Naphat Kruthakool  2 , Sarawuth Limprasert  3 , Mathirut Mungthin  4 , Panadda Hatthachote  5 , Ram Rangsin  6
Affiliations

Trends, prevalence and associated factors of obesity among adults in a rural community in Thailand: serial cross-sectional surveys, 2012 and 2018

Boonsub Sakboonyarat et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Obesity is one principle risk factor increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. In Thailand, a 2014 study reported obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) in a Thai population aged ≥15 years was 37.5, 32.9 and 41.8% overall and among males and females, respectively. The study aimed to determine trends in the prevalence of obesity among adults residing in a Thai rural community between 2012 and 2018 and investigate the associations between obesity and behavioral factors.

Methods: Serial cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2012 and 2018 among adults in Na-Ngam rural community. In 2012 and 2018, all 635 and 627 individuals, respectively, were interviewed using structured questionnaires related to demographics, risk behaviors, comorbidities and arthrometric measurement. Spot urine was collected by participants and obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. The risk factors for obesity were analyzed in the 2018 survey.

Results: A total of 1262 adults in Na-Ngam rural community were included in the study. The prevalence of obesity was 33.9% in 2012 and 44.8% in 2018 (P < 0.001). The average BMI increased from 23.9 ± 4.2 kg/m2 in 2012 to 25.0 ± 4.52 kg/m2 in 2018 (P < 0.001). Obesity was associated with higher age (AOR 0.99; 95%CI 0.97-0.99), smoking (AOR 0.52; 95%CI 0.28-0.94), instant coffee-mix consumption > 1 cup/week (AOR 1.44; 95%CI 1.02-2.04), higher number of chronic diseases (≥1 disease AOR 1.82; 95%CI 1.01-2.68, > 2 diseases AOR 2.15; 95%CI 1.32-3.50), and higher spot urine sodium level (AOR 1.002; 95%CI 0.99-1.01).

Conclusion: Our data emphasized that obesity constituted a serious problem among adults residing in a rural community. A trend in significant increase was found regarding the prevalence of obesity and average BMI in the rural community over 6 years. Effective public health interventions should be provided at the community level to reduce BMI. Moreover, modifiable risk factors for obesity should be attenuated to inhibit the progression of metabolic syndrome, noncommunicable diseases and their complications.

Keywords: Instant coffee-mix; Obesity; Rural community; Trends; Urine Na level.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Prevalence of obesity among adults in a rural community in Thailand by age groups, 2012
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Prevalence of obesity among adults in a rural community in Thailand by age groups, 2018
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Trends in prevalence of obesity stratified by sex in a rural community in Thailand, 2012 and 2018
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Average BMI among adults in a rural community in Thailand, 2012 and 2018
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Proportion of BMI groups among adults in a rural community in Thailand, 2012 and 2018
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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