Socio-demographic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among Staff of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Overweight and obesity have risen globally, doubling since 1980, and now affect approximately one-third of the world’s population. In Nigeria, the economic burden of obesity is substantial, with treatment costs estimated at ₦88,000 per patient annually. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 109 academic and non-academic staff of UDUS selected through multistage probability sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Respondents were predominantly young (71.6%), male (78%), married (78%), and mainly of Hausa/Fulani ethnicity (67%), with 92.7% residing in urban areas. Bivariate analysis identified significant socio-demographic determinants associated with overweight and obesity, including age (OR 4.208; p = 0.002), male sex (OR 3.151; p = 0.022), marital status (OR 5.120; p = 0.003), junior staff grade (OR 0.340; p = 0.025), and number of children (OR 1.910; p = 0.005). The findings from this study highlight that overweight and obesity are notably prevalent among university staff, with a combined prevalence of 47%, aligning with regional and national data in Nigeria. Behavioral factors, especially sweets and chocolate consumption, showed a significant association with increased risk, while fruit intake exhibited a near-significant trend. Sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, staff grade, and the number of children also influence obesity risk, consistent with prior regional studies. Additionally, low smoking and alcohol consumption mirror sociocultural patterns, and sedentary lifestyles may further elevate obesity risk among university employees.