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A conceptual framework for managing modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in Fiji

Trevor Witter1, Melanie Poudevigne2, Danielle M Lambrick3

  • 1School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, New Zealand trevorgwitter@gmail.com.

Perspectives in Public Health
|October 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Indigenous-Fijians face higher risks of obesity and hypertension, while Indo-Fijians have greater rates of diabetes and high cholesterol. Both groups show poor fruit intake, highlighting the need for targeted cardiovascular disease prevention strategies in Fiji.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

  • Fiji is experiencing demographic and epidemiological transitions.
  • Modernization in developing nations often correlates with increased non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Socio-cultural changes in Fiji are linked to lifestyle choices contributing to cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review modifiable lifestyle and cardio-metabolic risk factors for CVD.
  • To compare these risk factors between Indigenous-Fijian and Indo-Fijian subgroups.
  • To present a framework for monitoring and managing CVD risk factors in Fiji.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of national health surveys.
  • Utilizing electronic databases to supplement missing data.
  • Organization and synthesis of the most relevant available data.

Main Results:

  • Indigenous-Fijians exhibit higher obesity (17% vs 11%) and hypertension (21% vs 16%) rates compared to Indo-Fijians.
  • Indo-Fijians show higher rates of diabetes mellitus (12% vs 21%) and high cholesterol (33% vs 39%).
  • Indigenous-Fijians report greater cigarette smoking (45% vs 24%) and risky alcohol behavior (17% vs 15%), alongside poorer vegetable intake (48% vs 56%). Both groups have low recommended fruit intake.

Conclusions:

  • Fiji faces rising non-communicable disease mortality, with CVD as the leading cause.
  • Lifestyle changes associated with modernization contribute to a cluster of cardio-metabolic conditions.
  • Targeted interventions are crucial for managing CVD risk factors in Fiji's diverse population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Fijiculturedisparityhealth gapheart diseaselifestylenutrition

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