TO STUDY THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ON LIFESTYLE CHOICES AMONG THE ADULT OBESE POPULATION PRESENITNG TO ESTIQLAL HOSPITAL, KABUL CITY

Background:Obesity is a major public health problem and causes for significant morbidities and mortalities among the population in both developed and developing countries. It is important to study the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding lifestyle choices among obese adult population of Afghanistan, to have evidence-based recommendations for developing obesity control programs and strategies. interventional strategies. Method:This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in March and April 2018 in Estiqlal Hospital, Kabul. A total of 399 adult obese clients of the Hospital were interviewed. The Cochran Formula was used to determine the sample size. Two interviewers (surveyors, a male and a female) were fully trained. Data was collected by strictly following the three steps of Screening, where weight and height of each correspondent were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI), written consent and interviewing to fill the questionnaires. Data was analyzed through CS-Pro 6 and STATA 13 and excel. Results:A total of 399 clients who met the criteria were approached by the surveyors and participated in the study. BMI of the respondents in this study varies up to 40 and above, III obesity. Majority of respondents were found in class I obesity. Out of 399 respondents, 202 (50.63%) were found to have class I obesity that was followed by class II obesity with 154 (38.6%) respondents and class III obesity with 40 (10.03%) respondents (figure 1). This study revealed that the number of obesity cases are higher in females than in males. Of the total 399 participants 261 (65.41%) were female interviewees, whereas, a total of 138 (34.59%) were male interviewees. Conclusion:Obesity is one of the major risk factors for Non-communicable diseases and it causes a great burden on society and health system. The prevalence of obesity high and increasing in Afghanistan like other low- income and mid-income countries. A multisectoral approach is required to control the obesity through increasing awareness, knowledge and sports and welfare facilities, as well as strategies for behavioral changes in societies.