Perceived risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Cameroon

We set out to assess the perceived risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus in an urban setting using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to collect data from different stakeholders constituting the triangle of care. Ethnomethodological analyses were done manually and with Ethnograph software. The results showed an awareness of emergence of CVD and diabetes in Cameroon and perceived relationships between risk factors and CVD and diabetes. The awareness of behavioural risk factors was higher than the biological ones, though perceptions about them were muddled. The main drawbacks for reducing risk factors were perceived to emerge from the lack of a national policy programme on non-communicable diseases; and the low level of awareness of the need to reduce these risk factors. The assessment illustrates that there is currently a mismatch between the needs and expectations of all the stakeholders regarding health promotion and advice on risk factors reduction and an apparent reluctance by health care providers to fulfil this role. This issue can only be addressed in countries of sub-Sahara through capacity building for control and prevention of CVD risk factors.