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Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and socioeconomic level among public-sector workers in Angola

Daniel P Capingana1, Pedro Magalhães, Amílcar B T Silva

  • 1Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

BMC Public Health
|August 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease risk factors are highly prevalent in Angolan public workers, particularly those in lower socioeconomic groups. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality.
  • African nations face a growing burden of both cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
  • Cardiovascular risk is influenced by socioeconomic status, necessitating localized research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among apparently healthy public-sector employees in Angola.
  • To investigate the association between socioeconomic status and cardiovascular risk factors in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 615 public-sector workers at Agostinho Neto University.
  • Data collected included personal, anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic, socioeconomic, and physical activity information.
  • The study population comprised individuals aged 20-72 years, with a balanced gender distribution.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence rates were observed for hypertension (45.2%), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (50.1%), and sedentary lifestyle (87.2%).
  • Obesity (19.6%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (20%) were also significant findings.
  • Individuals with lower socioeconomic status exhibited higher rates of hypertension, smoking, and left ventricular hypertrophy, with 41.0% having three or more risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • There is a high prevalence of multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors in apparently healthy Angolan public-sector workers.
  • Lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased incidence of hypertension, smoking, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Findings underscore the need for public health strategies addressing socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular health.
Abstract

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