Association between body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographic factors among Iranian females aged 15-44 years

With respect to the high expenses of obesity treatment and its associated complications, there is an urgent need for a suitable approach towards behavioral change in obese subjects. The present study was conducted to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographic factors among Iranian females aged 15-44 years.

For this cross sectional study, 2969 females aged 15-44 years were selected through a cluster sampling. We evaluated BMI and its association with occupation, educational level, family size, place of residence, marital status, and age. Logistic regression analysis was used to eliminate the effect of confounding factors.

The mean BMI was 25.6±5.2kg/m2, while 46.2% of subjects had normal BMI, however, 4.6% had severe obesity. BMI was significantly higher among 35-44 years old, married, illiterate, and house keeper females. Regression analysis showed that illiteracy and lower educational level could increase BMI.

Our results revealed that the mean BMI of Iranian females exceeds normal value, however, during a 5-year period the frequency of obesity did not alter significantly among females aged >20 years. Age increment, illiteracy, marriage, and housekeeping are associated with higher BMI level.