Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Southern Mediterranean countries have experienced a marked increase in the prevalence of obesity whose consequences for gender related health inequities have been little studied. We assessed gender obesity inequalities and their environmental and socio-economic modifiers among Tunisian adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey in 2005; national, 3 level random cluster sample of 35-70 years Tunisians (women: n = 2964, men: n = 2379). Overall adiposity was assessed by BMI = weight(kg)/height(m)(2) and obesity was BMI>/=30, WHtR = waist circumference to height ratio defined abdominal obesity as WHtR>/=0.6. Gender obesity inequality measure was women versus men Prevalence Proportion Odds-Ratio (OR); models featuring gender x covariate interaction assessed variation of gender obesity inequalities with area (urban versus rural), age, marital status or socio-economic position (profession, education, household income proxy). RESULTS: BMI was much higher among women (28.4(0.2)) versus men (25.3(0.1)), P
Original language | English |
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Journal | PLoS ONE |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 10 |
Pages (from-to) | e48153 |
ISSN | 1932-6203 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Nutrition status
- Obesity
- Overweight
- Body mass index
- BMI
- Prevalence
- Gender distribution
- Men
- Women
- Inequalities
- Abdominal circumference
- Waist circumference
- Environmental factors
- Socioeconomic factors
- Urban
- Rural
- Educational level
- Employees
- Tunisia
- Africa-North