Self-Reported Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease among Older Adults in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The co-occurrence of multiple modifiable risk factors significantly elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Understanding the prevalence and patterns of these risk factors in older adults is essential for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and clustering of self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors among Malaysian older adults.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the clustering of these risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018: Elderly Health.
• Involved 7117 adults aged 50 years and above, with data collected via a structured questionnaire.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of individual risk factors: diabetes (23.3%), hypertension (42.2%), hypercholesterolemia (35.6%), overweight/obesity (58.4%), and smoking (17.5%).
• Prevalence of clustering: ≥1 risk factor (83.3%), ≥2 risk factors (75.4%), and ≥3 risk factors (62.6%).
• Factors associated with clustering included being male, aged 60-69, urban dweller, having no formal education, unemployed/retired/homemaker status, physical inactivity, and ethnic differences.

Conclusions:

• A significant majority of Malaysian older adults exhibit clustering of multiple modifiable CVD risk factors.
• Demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors are independently associated with this clustering.
• Integrated strategies targeting early detection and management, considering diverse population characteristics, are imperative.