Prevalence and Pattern of Selected Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors amongst a Cohort of Public Servants in Abakaliki Nigeria Prevalence and Pattern of Selected Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality worldwide, with 80% originating from developing countries. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is on the increase, especially in the developing nations of the world. There are limited data on the burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors among a cohort of educated public servants in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of selected cardiovascular risk factors among a cohort of public servants in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study where a cohort of public servants was screened for the presence of selected cardiovascular risk factors during their annual meeting at Abakaliki, Nigeria on the 16th of December 2022. They were made up of males and females of working-class age and they all possessed a minimum educational attainment of a university degree (≥17 years of formal education). Results: Out of the 120 participants screened, cardiovascular disease risk factors were present in 66 persons (55%) (male- 35.8%, female- 19.2%) and were more preponderant among older participants. Overweight (27.5%), and hypertension (25.8%) were the most prevalent risk factors identified. The mean age, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher in male participants, while the mean body mass index was significantly higher in their female counterparts. The majority (40.8%) of the participants had a single risk factor while few others had multiple risk factors. Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease risk factors are prevalent among a cohort of public servants in Abakaliki, Nigeria, with a preponderance of overweight and hypertension.