RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AMONG ZAMFARA STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

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Department of Medicine

ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a common cause of death and disability in developing countries. According to the WHO it is expected that by 2020, 35% of all deaths in these nations will be due to CVD. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the workplace, among Zamfara state government employees. Five hundred and eighty one respondents were selected from 11 state Ministries. Set of interviewers administered questionnaires adopting the WHO step down approach was adopted to collect subjects‘ socio demographic data and risk factors for CVD. Data were analyzed using Epi info versions 7. Mean ages were 42 years, ± 8 years, and the overall prevalence of Hypertension was 19%, 42% for isolated systolic blood pressure,28% isolated diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure positively correlates with age, years of smoking, diastolic BP, and total cholesterol levels (r=0.774, P=0.0000), (r=0.242, P=0.004153) (r=0.098, P. <0.005). But negatively correlates with BMI (r = -0.326 P= 0.032102) Sitting at work for >6 hours was statistically associated with increased diastolic blood pressure (OR: 2.153; 95% CI: 1.38- 3.315) but not with systolic blood pressure. However, knowledge of CVD, having first degree relatives with cardiovascular disease, taking fruits and vegetables daily, physical activities, cigarette smoking, adding extra salt to meal did not have significant effect. The prevalence of systemic hypertension was 19%, isolated systolic blood pressure 42%, isolated diastolic blood pressure 28%, overweigh 63%, cigarette 26% smoking, dyslipidaemia 10%, abdominal obesity in females 56% and males 11% respectively. Prevalence of Hypertension was consistent with the national NCD survey; however prevalence of overweight, abdominal obesity and cigarette smoking was higher than the national NCD survey. Zamfara state civil service union should discourage long sitting hours in workplaces, and encourage overweigh and obese employees to lose weight. Key words: Zamfara State, CVD, Government Employees, Risk factors.