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Prevalence of overweight and obesity in community health agents in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, 2017* * Article derived from research with community health agents of the 21 Health Region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, entitled ‘Work process and its impacts on the health condition of Community Health Agents in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, 2017’, submitted to the Federal University of Pelotas Nursing Postgraduate Program in 2017.

Abstract

Objective

To analyze overweight and obesity prevalence among community health agents in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, according to sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected in 21 municipalities between March 2016 and May 2017. Weight and height data were self-reported by participants. Multinomial logistic regression was used.

Results

Data from 564 community health agents were analyzed, 0.5% were classified as underweight, 29.8% as having normal weight, 39.2% were overweight and 30.5% were obese. Presence of obesity was negatively associated with working in rural area health centers (OR=0.58 – 95%CI 0.34;0.98) and doing physical activity (OR=0.57 – 95%CI 0.36;0.90); presence of obesity was positively associated with anxiety (OR=1.97 – 95%CI 1.12;3.45), hypertension (OR=2.91 – 95%CI 1.63;5.18), and diabetes (OR=6.25 – 95%CI 2.15;18.21).

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity prevalence was high and associated with chronic diseases, anxiety, physical inactivity and working in urban areas.

Primary Health Care; Nutritional Status; Family Health Strategy; Cross-sectional Studies; Health Personnel; Occupational Health

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