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Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Gambia: A Systematic Review
Robin Koller1, Charles Agyemang1
1Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, NL.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease risk factors are highly prevalent in the Gambia, particularly among urban populations. Urgent preventive strategies and research are needed to combat this growing chronic disease burden.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) presents a significant and escalating chronic disease challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Understanding the prevalence of CVD risk factors is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive and current review of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors within The Gambia.
- To identify specific demographic groups at higher risk for these factors.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of seven relevant studies was conducted.
- Data on the prevalence of key CVD risk factors were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- High prevalence rates were observed for obesity (2.3–11.7%), hypertension (18.3–29%), and hypercholesterolemia (2.2–29.1%).
- Smoking is prevalent in men (16–42.2%), while insufficient fruit/vegetable intake (77.8%) and physical inactivity (14.6%) are widespread.
- Specific risk factors, like obesity, disproportionately affect urban women aged 35 and older.
Conclusions:
- The Gambia faces a substantial burden of prevalent cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- There is an immediate necessity for implementing preventive health measures and conducting further research to mitigate CVD incidence.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly becoming a major chronic disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date overview on prevalence of CVD risk factors in the Gambia. The findings from seven included studies revealed that most CVD risk factors are very prevalent in the Gambia, with some specific groups in the population such as urban dwellers being more at risk. Obesity prevalence ranged from 2.3% to 11.7%, with rate being particularly high in urban women aged ≥35 years. Diabetes prevalence was 0.3%. Hypertension prevalence ranged from 18.3% to 29%. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia ranged from 2.2% to 29.1%. Prevalence of smoking ranged from 16% to 42.2% in men. Prevalence of insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption, inadequate physical activity, and alcohol consumption was 77.8%, 14.6%, and 2.3%, respectively. These findings suggest urgent need for preventive measures and further research to prevent CVD in the Gambia.
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