Cardiovascular disease risk factor clustering among African American adults

Although the co-occurrence of multiple risk factors increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity/mortality, few studies have examined the prevalence of risk factor clustering among African Americans in community-based faith settings. This study examined the prevalence and clustering of CVD risk factors in a sample of church members from South Carolina.

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a faith-based intervention, Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN).

African Methodist Episcopal churches in four geographically-defined districts in South Carolina.

1119 church members.

Self-reported presence or absence of healthcare provider diagnosed diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Objectively measured blood pressure, height, and weight (body mass index) were also taken. The prevalence of single, multiple, and clustering of risk factors was computed.

62% of participants were obese, 64% had hypertension, 23% had diabetes, and 39% had high cholesterol; 15% had no risk factors, 24% had 1 risk factor, 30% had 2 risk factors, 22% had 3 risk factors, and 10% had 4 risk factors. The most common clusters of risk factors were: obese and hypertensive (18%), obese, hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic (13%), and obese, hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic, and diabetic (10%).

The prevalence of risk factors and risk factor clustering in church members in South Carolina is exceedingly high. Culturally-relevant behavioral interventions targeting risk factor reduction in this population should be a public health goal.