【論文摘要】Factors Associated with Obesity among Malaysian Older Adults: Health Screening Database 2011-2018

Background/Synopsis: The prevalence of obesity among older adults is rising progressively. It has been shown that obesity confers an increased risk of mortality to those who have an extreme body mass index. However, there is inadequate published data on the factors associated with obesity among older adults in our community. Objectives/Purpose: To determine the factors associated with obesity among Malaysian aged 60 years and above who voluntarily attended the health screening program from 2011 to 2018. Methods/Results: Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted in both East and West Malaysia incorporating the nine states and regions in Malaysia which involves older adults more than 60 years old (age range 60-102 years; 333 males (46.5%) and 383 (53.5%) females). The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Local Institutional Ethics Committee. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect the information on sociodemographic, family and medical history. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and selected biochemical analysis were also collected. For further analysis, subjects were classified into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI ＜ 30 kg/m2). Results. A total of 716 older adults age ≥60 years old (median 65.0 years old with an interquartile range of 8.0 years old) involved in the study. The prevalence of obesity was 16.2% in which higher prevalence was found among females (58.4 %) compared to males (41.6%). Furthermore, females have 1.46 times higher odds of being obese compared to males (95% CI: 0.97-2.18). Eighty-seven percent of the low-income group (Bottom 40%) was significantly associated with obesity (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.39-6.15). Those without diabetes mellitus have 2.12 times higher odds of developing obesity (p=0.001, OR 2.123, 95% CI 1.37, 3.27). No family history of premature coronary artery disease (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.190, 3.742) and hypertension (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.098, 2.59) were also significantly associated with obesity. Conclusion: Females in a low-income group with no family history of some chronic diseases will increase the odds of having obesity. Therefore, preventive health education and promotion should be more directed at this group.