Predictors of High Obesity in Rural Nicaragua: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic disease prevalence continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries and countries in Central American regions are not exception. In the present study, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis on a sample of respondents (n=200) who were aged 30 years and over and living in rural communities in Nicaragua. Study results showed that a higher percentage of the respondents who reported their health being fair or poor and female respondents found to have higher levels of BMI compared to their male counterparts (p< 0.05). Behavioral factors, such as vegetable consumption and hours of sleep found to be significant predictors of obesity/overweight among rural residents in Nicaragua. Study results highlighted the need for targeted behavioral change interventions including promoting consumption of fruits and vegetables in regular diets among rural residents.