What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Obesity and hypertension (n=183). Primary outcome: Obesity (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43-6.65, p=0.004).

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and examine their associations with age and sex among residents in Davao City.

March 24, 2026Open Access

Age-sex patterns in obesity and hypertension prevalence among low- to middle-income residents of Davao city, Philippines

Key Result

In a low- to middle-income urban community, females had significantly higher odds of obesity than males (aOR 3.07), and adults aged 45 years or older had higher odds of hypertension (aOR 3.03).

Key Points

The study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and examine their associations with age and sex among residents in Davao City.
Community-based cross-sectional design
Enrolled 183 adults from a low- to middle-income community
Conducted interviews and standardized anthropometric measurements
Assessed blood pressure and classified BMI according to Asia-Pacific guidelines
Analyzed associations using multivariable logistic regression
50.27% of respondents were classified as obese
37.16% of respondents had hypertension
Higher odds of obesity found in females compared to males (aOR = 3.07)
Adults aged ≥ 45 years had higher odds of hypertension (aOR = 3.03)
No significant associations observed between sex and hypertension or age and obesity

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=183)

Multicenter

Structured PICO

Population

Adults aged ≥ 18 years residing in a low- to middle-income urban community in Davao City, Philippines (mean age 43.3, 81% female).

Outcome

Prevalence of obesity and hypertension, and their sex-age associations

There is a high prevalence of obesity and hypertension in low- to middle-income urban Philippine communities, with obesity disproportionately affecting females and hypertension strongly associated with older age.

Main Result

Effect estimate: aOR 3.07 (95% CI 1.43-6.65)

p-value: p=0.004

Limitations

Convenience sample fell short of the calculated target, reducing statistical power
Pronounced female predominance limited the precision of subgroups
Hypertension classification relied exclusively on measured BP due to unreliable self-reported data
Cross-sectional design precludes causality assessment
Analysis did not adjust for potential confounders such as diet, physical activity, or family history

Abstract

Abstract Background Obesity and hypertension are escalating public health challenges in low- and middle-income urban communities. This study determined the prevalence of these conditions and examined sex-age associations among residents of the University of the Immaculate Conception adopted community in Davao City, Philippines. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study enrolled 183 adults between February and March 2025. Data collection included interviews, standardized anthropometric measurements and blood pressure assessments. BMI was classified according to the Asia-Pacific guidelines, and associations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results Of the 183 respondents, 50.27% were obese and 37.16% had hypertension. Significant independent associations included higher obesity odds among females than males (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.43–6.65; p = 0.004) and higher hypertension odds among adults aged ≥ 45 years than those aged 18–44 years (aOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.64–5.70; p < 0.001). No significant associations were found between sex and hypertension, age and obesity, or BMI categories and hypertension. Conclusion High obesity and hypertension burdens warrant targeted interventions emphasizing lifestyle modification, nutritional education, and screening delivered through academic-community partnerships.

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