Clinico – demographic profile of participants in a medical screening exercise in Calabar, South-south, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries like Nigeria with attendant health consequences. This in part is attributable to the adoption of Western habits to traditional ways of life. We seek to screen for over-weight, obesity and hypertension in residents of urban Calabar Metropolis in Nigeria.
Objective of the study: To determine the proportion of participants with overweight, obesity and hypertension.
Methods: The participants were enlightened on the study protocol and were evaluated for hypertension by measuring their blood pressure while seated. Their height and weight were measured using a stadiometre and their body mass index (BMI) calculated and placed in the respective categories.
Results: Two hundred and twenty six subjects were screened, with more males (61.9%) than females (38.1%) participating. Most of them had normal BMI readings, 28.3% were overweight while 17.3% were obese. Hypertension accounted for 37.2% of screened subjects.
Conclusion: Overweight, obesity and hypertension are on the rise in our environment. Regular screening to detect these conditions and intervene is necessary to checkmate morbidity and mortality associated with them.