Body Mass Index (BMI) in Association with Diabetes, Hypertension, Comorbidity among Patients in the Buea Health District, Cameroon
Mondoa Sally Efeti *
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Nsagh Dickson Shey
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Emmanuel Yenshu Vubo
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences University of Buea, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The rising burden of hypertension and diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa has intensified the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with body mass index (BMI) playing a critical role in metabolic health. However, limited evidence exists on the sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing BMI and comorbidity patterns in Cameroon, particularly among high-risk populations.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between July 2023 and April 2024 in the Buea Health District, involving 400 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes recruited from four healthcare facilities using systematic sampling. Data on sociodemographics, medical history, and lifestyle behaviours were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric and clinical measurements, including blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and BMI, were recorded. BMI was categorized per WHO standards. Chi-square tests assessed associations between BMI and clinical variables, while binary logistic regression identified predictors of BMI, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Hypertension, diabetes and comorbidity affected 57.5% of participants, with higher prevalence among males, widowed individuals, and those with primary education. A polarized BMI distribution was observed: 43% were overweight or obese, 32% had normal weight, and 25% were underweight. No significant association was found between BMI and hypertension (p = 0.174) or diabetes (p = 0.352). However, elevated FBS was significantly linked to higher BMI (p = 0.015). BMI distribution varied significantly by treatment center (p = 0.001). In regression, regular physical exercise (AOR = 2.815, p < 0.001) and vegetable intake (AOR = 2.545, p = 0.003) were strong predictors of higher BMI. Diabetes, hypertension, and their comorbidity were not statistically significant predictors of CKD.
Conclusion: Lifestyle factors are more influential than disease status in determining BMI, underscoring the need for behaviour-centred interventions.
Keywords: Body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, comorbidity, Cameroon