Social and gender determinants of excess weight in the adulthood in contexts of urban poverty in Córdoba, Argentina, 2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Social class and gender are linked to excess weight. However, the evidence in contexts of urban poverty in Córdoba (Argentina) is still scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze individual social determinants of adult overweight, obesity and central obesity by gender in contexts of poverty in the city of Córdoba in 2019. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out, with a random sample (n=380) of adult users of a public hospital. A survey on sociodemographic, socioeconomic, gender and health characteristics was applied, and anthropometric measures were taken. Multiple logistic regression models stratified by gender were estimated. RESULTS: Single, separated or widowed women were less likely to be overweight (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18-0.87), and unemployed women had a lower probability of central obesity (OR 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08-0.87 ). Men with middle or low socioeconomic status were less likely to be overweight (OR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.76), and those who devoted more time to unpaid work had a lower probability of obesity (OR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20-0.89). DISCUSSION: Excess weight in contexts of poverty in Córdoba is linked to social and gender determinants, and the associations are different in men and women.