Determinants and perception of cardiovascular risk factors among secondary school teachers in Oyo state Nigeria

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are common. They constitute an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the risk factors may lead to attitudinal change with consequent reduction in prevalence. Secondary school teachers constitute a large literate workforce that has direct influence on students and indirectly on their parents and guardians.

The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among secondary school teachers in Oyo State, Nigeria and also the determinants of such knowledge.

Three hundred and fifty eight secondary school teachers from the Akinyele local government of Oyo State Nigeria completed a questionnaire seeking such information as which diseases constitute CVD and also identify risk factors for CVD. The determinants of such knowledge were investigated by the log likehood ratio using logistic regression. Two hundred and fifteen civil servants matched for age, sex and qualifications were enrolled as controls.

Of the 358 teachers, 12.3% were current smokers, 32.1% drank alcohol. More of the civil servant controls patronized fast food joints. Over 80% of the teachers performed exercise regularly, majority being 'walking' (66.2%). Hypertension (84.5%) and heart attack (87.6%) were the most correctly identified CVD. The least correctly identified was peripheral vascular disease (18.6%). The longer the years of teaching, specialization in pure science and being male the more likely the knowledge of sedentary living as a risk factor. Other variables that reached statistical significance include knowledge of stress, smoking and advanced age.

Generally the knowledge of the teachers is inadequate about CVD and the risk factors. Qualification in pure science and years of teaching did not radically affect this knowledge. The knowledge base of the teachers needs to be improved.