FACTORS OF OBESITY AND PERSONALITY TRAITS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN OF LAHORE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors of obesity and role of personality traits in prevalence of obesity among middle-aged women.

Study Design: Cross sectional analytical research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Three universities (Lahore College for Women University, Riphah International University, University of Central Punjab) and three hospitals (Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Shalimar Hospital) of Lahore City, from Feb 2019 to Jul 2019.

Methodology: Four hundred clinically diagnosed obese women were collected using Purposive Sampling. The age range of participants was 25-50 years. Women diagnosed with any other clinical problem were excluded from the study. Factors of obesity were assessed using Factors for Obesity Scale. To measure the relationship of personality traits with obesity Neo Personality Trait Scale was used. The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation, simple regression analysis and independent sample t-test using SPSS version 22.

Results: There was strong positive correlation of psychological, emotional and cognitive factors with obesity. Neuroticism trait was significant positive (β=0.25, p<0.01) and conscientiousness trait of personality was significant negative predictor of (β=-0.43, p<0.01) obesity. Latter middle-aged women were more obese as compared to women in age of early middle aged- women.

Conclusion: Psychological, emotional and cognitive factors play important role in the pervasiveness of obesity. A definitive positive correlation was found in these factors and obesity. Neuroticism trait personality strongly predicts obesity.