Understanding the Neck's Significance: Exploring Neck Circumference as a Marker for Obesity and Hypertension in Perambalur District’s 40–70 Age Group

Abinaya Ravi; Maniprabhu Selvaraju; Tamilarasan Muniyapillai; Rukumani Subbhaiyaa  Muthu Raaj Kumar; Nithish Immanuel  Rejee

doi:10.55489/njcm.160420254981

Authors

Abinaya Ravi Department of Community Medicine, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
Maniprabhu Selvaraju Department of Community Medicine, KAP Vishwanatham Government Medical College, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medi-cal University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Tamilarasan Muniyapillai Department of Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India
Rukumani Subbhaiyaa Muthu Raaj Kumar Department of Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India
Nithish Immanuel Rejee Department of Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160420254981

Keywords:

Obesity, Hypertension, ROC curve analyses, Sensitivity , Specificity

Abstract

Background: Neck circumference (NC) is an emerging anthropometric marker for assessing metabolic and cardiovascular health risks. This study assessed the relationship between NC and obesity prevalence and examined its potential as a predictive marker for hypertension among individuals in Perambalur District.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 392 participants aged 40-70 years. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were recorded. Correlational analyses and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses evaluated the relationship between NC and health indicators.

Results: Weight showed a significant positive correlation with NC (r = 0.272, p <0.001), with a stronger relationship in females (r = 0.413, p < 0.001). Blood pressure parameters demonstrated consistent positive correlations across the population (systolic: r = 0.345, p < 0.001; diastolic: r = 0.337, p < 0.001). ROC analyses revealed optimal cutoff points: NC ≥37.5 cm for males and NC ≥34.75 cm for females. The predictive power for hypertension was notably stronger, with AUC values of 0.726 for males and 0.797 for females (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: NC emerges as a promising anthropometric marker for assessing obesity and hypertension risks, with significant gender-specific variations. This simple, cost-effective screening tool shows utility for cardiovascular and metabolic health risk assessment in adults.

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