Factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Cambodia: Analysis of Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2021–22

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased chronic disease and death rates globally. In Cambodia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women is high and increasing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Cambodia. We analyzed data from the 2021–22 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). Data analysis was restricted to non-pregnant women, resulting in an analytic sample of 9,417 WRA. Multiple logistic regressions were performed using STATA V17 to examine factors associated with overweight and obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among WRA was 22.56% and 5.61%, respectively. Factors independently associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity included women aged 20–29 years [AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.22–2.80], 30–39 years [AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 2.21–5.04], and 40–49 years [AOR = 5.57; 95% CI: 3.76–8.25], women from rich wealth quintile [AOR = 1.44; 95% C: 1.19–1.73], having three children or more [AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.00–1.95], ever drink alcohol [AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.04–1.47], and current drink alcohol [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.01–1.45]. Women completed at least secondary education were less likely being overweight and obese [AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58–0.91]. Overweight and obesity remains highly prevalent among WRA in Cambodia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take interventions that target women from higher socio-demographic status to reduce the risk of life-threatening caused by being overweight and obese through raising awareness of important changing lifestyles.