Evaluation of the body composition of soldiers from the Kinshasa garrison: Descriptive cross sectional study
Keywords:
Body, military fat, KinshasaAbstract
Excess body fat among military personnel, one of the major public health issues according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. This abnormal increase in fat mass is responsible for numerous chronic non-transmissible pathologies among soldiers to which they are victims. The objective of the study was to evaluate the body composition of Congolese FARDC soldiers using AMAZON brand body composition monitors. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study by a body composition monitor carried out in the Kinshasa Garrison between October 1, 2020 and February 27, 2021 where the cardiovascular exploration center of the military health corps served as a setting. Data collection was carried out by an AMAZON brand impedemeter including the percentage of water, muscles, body fat and BMI. Corporals, privates, non-commissioned officers and senior officers took part. A total of 487 voluntarily enlisted soldiers, made up of 415 men and 72 women, 85.2% versus 14.8% participated in the study. The mean age was 45.4 ± 11.9 years. BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat, lean mass and water had an average of 29.3 kg/m2, 78.3 cm, 36.6 cm, 14.5 %, and 54.3%, respectively (p = 0.001). These means were significantly different depending on age and grade (p = 0.001). The age group over 60 is more exposed with a high rate of fat mass 38.1% and a reduction in lean mass 16.1% (p = 0.002). This had a significantly higher frequency among military officers of developing metabolic risk factors (p = 0.001). This is the first Congolese study which was interested in evaluating the body composition of soldiers from the Kinshasa garrison and which determined the morphological state of these combatants. This reveals that the majority of the study population had a high fat mass and a high BMI in the entire group. This abnormal increase exposes them to developing a chronic pathology. It is suggested that a military PA program be offered to them so that they can improve their physical health.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Nicaise Kiana Ngasa, Nsinga Claude, Kape Jean Jacques, Kabanda Gilbert, Antony Mbuyi, Mety Rawal, Kintoki Vita, Kidikwadi Kidikwadi, Miangindula Betty, Kusuayi Mabele, M'lembakani Félicien, Katosia Lusenge Willy, Sumaili Kaswaya, Tingu Yaba, Mapatano Ali, Mvumbi Lelo, Mulumba Mulumba, Nkiama Constant
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.