Socioeconomic status and obesity relationship in non-menopause women aged 15-49 years in Tehran, Iran

ABSTRACT

To investigate the association between socio-economic status and obesity in non-menopause women aged 15-49 years in Tehran, Iran. This study was based on Iran National Health Survey conducted in 1999. Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index over >/= 30. Constructed area [per-person], educational level and job are considered as factors indicating the socioeconomic status. The results have been adjusted for age and mental health using univariate and multiple logistic regression. A total number of 2859 non-menopause women aged 15-49 yr from urban areas of Tehran have been studied. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 16.4%and 28.4% respectively. Women aged 30-49 yr had greater risk of obesity [adjusted OR=2.53, 95% CI 1.99-3.20]. Comparing with students, homemakers and employees were at higher risk of obesity [adjusted OR=4.33, 95% CI 2.47-7.76, adjusted OR= 2.82, 95%CI 1.41-5.63 respectively]. Those with >=12 years of education had lower risk of obesity compared to illiterate women [adjusted OR=.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.86]. The role of social factors is dominant over economic factor on obesity. This fact should be considered as one of the most important research priorities in future researches