Evaluation of the body composition of soldiers from the Kinshasa garrison: Descriptive cross sectional study

Authors

  • Nicaise Kiana Ngasa Laboratory Cardiovasculary Exploration Centre of the Military Health Service of the Armes Forces https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8192-3530
  • Nsinga Claude Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2235-2026
  • Kape Jean Jacques University Clinics of Kinshasa
  • Kabanda Gilbert Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4931-9499
  • Antony Mbuyi University Clinics of Kinshasa
  • Mety Rawal University Clinics of Kinshasa
  • Kintoki Vita Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0603-0054
  • Kidikwadi Kidikwadi University Clinics of Kinshasa
  • Miangindula Betty Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Kusuayi Mabele Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3264-405X
  • M'lembakani Félicien Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Katosia Lusenge Willy Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3550-0457
  • Sumaili Kaswaya Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Tingu Yaba Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Mapatano Ali Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Mvumbi Lelo Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Mulumba Mulumba Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Nkiama Constant Cardiovascular Exploration Center Laboratory of the Military Health Service of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5135-5379

Keywords:

Body, military fat, Kinshasa

Abstract

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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Published

02.04.2024

How to Cite

Ngasa, N. K., Claude, N., Jacques, K. J., Gilbert, K., Mbuyi, A., Rawal, M., Vita, K., Kidikwadi, K., Betty, M., Mabele, K., Félicien, M., Willy, K. L., Kaswaya, S., Yaba, T., Ali, M., Lelo, M., Mulumba, M., & Constant, N. (2024). Evaluation of the body composition of soldiers from the Kinshasa garrison: Descriptive cross sectional study. Advances in Health and Exercise, 4(1), 38–42. Retrieved from https://www.turkishkinesiology.com/index.php/ahe/article/view/102

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Original Research Articles

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