Obesity prevalence odds ratios in four Puerto Rican towns: a pilot study.
Obesity is a major public health problem associated with major mortality causes. It is the second leading cause of preventable diseases in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico (PR). The purpose of the study is to estimate the Obesity Prevalence Odds Ratios in Four Puerto Rican Towns. Obesity prevalence in PR has been estimated by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2005 (23%) for both sexes. The obesity estimation of the BRFSS was used in order to relate it with our sample and compare results. This is a descriptive-observational cross sectional study, based on a sample of 801 subjects selected from four major Puerto Rican municipalities (Loiza, Rio Grande, Luquillo and Canovanas). A valid questionnaire with main questions to obtain health/nutrition and sociodemographic information were administered. An obesity prevalence odds ratio (OPOR) was calculated. The obesity prevalence of the whole sample under study was higher (mean prevalence rate 42%) than the reported prevalence rate in the 2005 BRFSS. Canóvanas have the highest obesity prevalence (49%) followed by Loiza (41 %), Rio Grande (39 %) and Luquillo (37 %). Luquillo and Canovanas are the areas with higher possibility for obesity taking into consideration waist circumference as a risk factor for obesity (OPOR= 1.49 and 1.36, respectively; 95% CI). The sample under study has a higher OPOR as related to the BRFSS. These individuals may have a higher risk for chronic diseases associate to obesity. Future studies needs to address lifestyle prevention modifications and socioeconomic disparities in addition to evaluate intervention(s) that modify environmental factors in order to prevent obesity.