Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Obesity among Population of Urban (Douala) and Rural (Manjo) Areas in Cameroon
Table 3
Knowledge of obesity among the population of Douala and Manjo according to the study site.
Frequency (%)
Douala ()
Manjo ()
Have you ever heard of obesity?
Yes
97.0%
95.0%
ns
No
3.0%
5.0%
Do you think obesity is a disease?
Yes
76.0%
88.1%
0.0253
No
24.0%
11.9%
Do you think that obesity is hereditary?
Yes
52.0%
65.9%
0.0153
No
48.0%
34.1%
How do you define obesity?
Self-perception
54.0%
21.9%
ns
By scientific calculation
35.0%
35.9%
Other evaluation
25.0%
11.9%
Do you know the BMI prescribed by the World Health Organization?
Very well
29.0%
40.9%
0.0058
Somewhat familiar
34.0%
40.9%
Not at all familiar
37.0%
18.2%
What are the health problems that can occur when a person is overweight or obese?
Increased risk of chronic conditions (such as heart/cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, certain types of cancer, respiratory difficulties, chronic musculoskeletal problems, skin problems, and infertility)
84.0%
91.9%
<0.0001
Reduced quality of life
28.0%
75.0%
Premature death
26.0%
63.1%
Other
6.1%
43.1%
Do not know
5.0%
4.1%
Can you tell me the reasons why people are overweight or obese?
Increased/excessive intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and/or sugar
84.0%
93.1%
<0.0001
Lack of or decreased physical activity
57.0%
85.0%
Sedentary lifestyle
21.0%
70.0%
Heredity
28.0%
69.1%
Psychological factors
20.0%
51.9%
Medication
15.0%
40.9%
Other
4.0%
26.9%
Do not know
2.0%
1.9%
How can people prevent overweight and obesity?
Reduce energy intake (less high-energy foods and drinks)/reduce the intake of fatty and sugary foods
74.0%
91.9%
ns
Eat vegetables and fruits more often
51.0%
81.9%
Eat legumes/whole-grain products more often
20.0%
68.1%
Regularly consume hot drinks (teas, tisanes…)
40.0%
66.9%
Increase physical activity level/engage in regular physical activity
