Factors Associated with Overweight among Workers of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Benin in 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The problem of excess weight is pandemic and affects the majority of nations, regardless of their level of development. However, the prevalence of overweight among workers in Benin is very poorly documented. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight among workers of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service (MTFP) in 2023 in Benin. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical purposes carried out from August 16 to December 17, 2023, among MINISTRY OF LABOR AND PUBLIC SERVICE staff. The variables studied were overweight, sociodemographic, occupational and dietary characteristics, lifestyle, anthropometric factors and family history of obesity. An exhaustive recruitment of workers meeting our inclusion criteria and a questionnaire survey was carried out. Data were analyzed using R 4.0.4 software. A bivariate analysis followed by a multivariable analysis made it possible to identify the factors associated with overweight at the p < 0.05 threshold. Results: In total, 379 workers were included in our study. The average age of the surveyed workers was 44.86 years ± 7.67 years, with 202 (53.30%) workers at least 45 years old. Men predominated with a number of 228 (60.16%). The prevalence of overweight was 63.32% (95% CI: [58.23 - 68.15]) and the associated factors after multivariate analysis were: female sex (ORa = 4.00; 95% CI [2.11 - 7.76]; p < 0.001), traveling to the service by car (ORa = 10.40; 95% CI [1.56 - 75.50]; p = 0.019), generally obese family members (ORa = 3.49; 95% CI [1.70 - 7.46]; p < 0.001), frequent consumption of poultry (ORa = 2.01; 95% CI [1.09 - 3.76]; p = 0.025), frequent consumption of dough (ORa = 3.94; 95% CI [1.72 - 9.57]; p = 0.001), snacking (ORa = 2.83; 95% CI [1.33 - 6.30]; p < 0.007), high blood pressure (ORa = 7.65; 95% CI [3.46 - 18.50]; p < 0.001) and diabetes (ORa = 24.50; 95% CI [9.74 - 76.60]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight is high among ministry of labor and public service workers. Education and awareness in the professional environment on the prevention and management of risk factors are essential for a long-term impact on a notable regression of this public health phenomenon.