ABSTRACT
Background: Currently, population based medical check up is yet to be explored as a veritable tool for assessing the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria/
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of selected lifestyle related diseases during a free medical rally in an urban community.
Methods: General medical examinations of all participants at a free medical rally in a middle class community in Ibadan, Oyo State was conducted. Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and random blood sugar measurements were done using standardised instruments. BMI classification for children was done using the CDC guidelines for males and females ages 2-20 years.
Results: Of the 302 participants examined, 33.1% were males and 32.1% were less than 18 years. of those aged 2 to 20 years, 22.9% were underweight, while 5.2% were overweight/ obese. In adults 3.6% were underweight and 43.2% were overweight/ obese. Adults were significantly more likely to be overweight/ obese (P<0.001). Prevalence of high blood pressure was 29.3% and 9.4% of adults had elevated random blood glucose levels. A weak correlation (spearmen rho = 0.3) was found between blood pressure and BMI (P<0.001) and also between BMI and blood sugar level (spearman rho= 0.2 ) P= 0.05.
Conclusion: There is a need for greater emphasis on community based screening programmes to aid early diagnosis and treatment of non communicable diseases in the country.