Abstract

Background: Central obesity is becoming the most common public health problems globally. In particular, central obesity, which indicates abnormal fat accumulation in the abdominal regions, is highly associated with risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiometabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and other non-communicable diseases. Therefore, this study was planned to assess the magnitude of central obesity and associated factors among commercial bank employees, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from September 1-30, 2021. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 592 study participants. Waist circumference was measured at the midpoint between the lower rib border and the top of iliac crest. EpiData version 3.1 was used to enter data, and SPSS version 21 was used to analyze it. The factors associated with central obesity were identified by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The degree of association of the factors was measured using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. A P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Result: The magnitude of central obesity with waist circumference among commercial bank of Ethiopia was 34.6% (95% CI: 30.9%-38.5%). Being married [AOR=9.68, 95% CI: (5.76-16.89)], female gender[AOR=1.74, 95%CI: (1.09-2.76)], meat consumption 1-4 times per week [AOR=1.79, 95% CI: (1.11-2.91)], meat consumption>=5 per week[AOR=2.52, 95% CI: (1.32-4.82)], snacking [AOR=1.994, 95% CI: (1.26-3.16)], ever alcohol consumption[AOR=1.75, 95% CI: (1.11-2.78)], and house hold income >=24,009 Ethiopian Birr[AOR=2.86, 95% CI: (1.08-7.55)] were significant factors associated with central obesity.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of central obesity among commercial bank workers was high. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organizations that work in the health system as well as health professionals should focus on the preventive measures of central obesity such as healthy diet education in order to control its associated disorders at an early stage.