Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies
Published on: October 22, 2014
Cardiovascular disease risk factor profile of male Gaelic Athletic Association sports referees
Catherine Noelle O'Riordan1,2,3, Micheál Newell4, Gerard Flaherty5,4
1St. Finbarr's Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork, Ireland. catherineoriordan22@gmail.com.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are prevalent in male Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A.) referees in Ireland. This study highlights the need for CVD screening and risk reduction policies for this population.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally and in Ireland.
- Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A.) referees, a predominantly male group, are representative of the Irish male population regarding age and CVD risk factors.
- Limited epidemiological data exists on the CVD health status of G.A.A. referees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profile of male G.A.A. referees across Ireland.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Participants were recruited using cluster and convenience sampling from the G.A.A. referee community (aged ≥18 years).
- Data collection involved questionnaires, blood pressure measurements, and anthropometric assessments.
Main Results:
- The study included 183 male G.A.A. referees.
- The mean age was 39 years for inter-county referees and 47 years for club referees.
- Prevalence of pre-hypertension was 49%, and 60% of participants were overweight.
Conclusions:
- The study identified significant hypertension and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among male G.A.A. referees.
- There is a clear need for pre-participation screening and CVD risk reduction policies for this demographic.
- Implementing health promotion interventions can help mitigate the CVD epidemic in this population.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in Ireland and worldwide. Male sporting referees registered with the Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A.) represent the Irish male population due to the wide range of ages and CVD risk factors. Although G.A.A. referees, a predominately male population, play a pivotal part in the success of the game, there is a paucity of epidemiological evidence relating to their CVD health status.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to assess the CVD risk factor profile of male G.A.A. referees in Ireland.
Methods:
An observational, cross-sectional study design was used to assess the CVD risk factor profile of the participants. A cluster and convenience sample method was used to recruit participants aged ≥ 18 years within the G.A.A. referee community throughout Ireland. CVD risk factor profiles were studied using questionnaires, blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements.
Results:
A total of 183 male G.A.A. referees were studied with a mean age of 39 years (± 6, p = 0.000) for inter-county and 47 (± 11) for club referees. Of the total population studied, 49% had pre-hypertension and 60% were overweight.
Conclusions:
The findings from this study demonstrate the presence of hypertension and negative lifestyle behaviours within this male population. This justifies the need to implement a policy on the pre-participation screening and risk reduction of CVD for male G.A.A. referees in Ireland. This health promotion intervention would assist in reducing the CVD epidemic within this specific population.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:25Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
01:22Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Injurious Factors
In the antrum region, G cells secrete the gastrin hormone that binds to gastrin-cholecystokinin-B (CCK2) receptors on parietal and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the fundic glands. Simultaneously, the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, which binds...