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Abstract

Background: With the westernization of lifestyle, sub-Saharan Africa is facing a double burden of malnutrition with the coexistence of overnutrition and undernutrition. There is a lack of data among youth who represent a target population for early intervention. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with underweight, overweight and obesity among students of the University of Lomé in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2018 in the Department of Preventive Medicine of the University of Lomé. Students aged ≥ 18 years and who underwent routine medical examination at the time of registration were included. Information collected included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, clinical and biological data. Screening for overweight was carried out by calculating the body mass index and multinomial regression analyzes were performed. Results: A total of 37,682 students (32.9% of females) with median age 22 years, (Interquartile Range (IQR): 20- 24) were enrolled. The overall prevalence of excess weight condition (overweight/obesity) among students was 14.8% (95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 14.4-15.1) and the prevalence of underweight was 8.7% (95%CI: 8.4-8.9). Factors associated with overweight/obesity were high blood pressure (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)= 2.65; 95%CI: 2.40-2.91) and high blood sugar level (aOR= 1.54; 95%CI: 1.18-2.01). Female students not only (aOR= 3.64; 95%CI: 3.42-3.87) were more likely to be overweight and obese but also underweight (aOR= 1.74; 95%CI: 1.61-1.87). Increasing age was a protective factor for underweight (p<0.05). Conclusion: In view of these results, measures must be taken for the establishment of programs to fight overweight and obesity in Togo, especially among young people.

Keywords: Underweight; Overweight; Obesity; Prevalence and factors associated; Students; Lomé