Risk factors for cardiovascular disease among people with mental illness in Namibia
Ndahambelela F N Mthoko1, Lilian Pazvakawambwa2, Marja Leonhardt3,4
1Mental Health Care Centre, Private Bag 13215, Windhoek, Namibia.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease risk factors are common in people with mental illness in Windhoek. Regular screening and management are crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health burden globally.
- Individuals with mental illness often experience a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors.
- Understanding these risks in specific populations is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults with mental illness.
- To identify associations between psychiatric conditions and CVD risk factors in the study population.
- To inform public health strategies for managing CVD risk in mental health settings.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mental Health Care Centre in Windhoek, Namibia.
- 385 adult patients with mental illness were recruited using systematic random sampling.
- Validated assessment tools were used to collect data on CVD risk factors, followed by descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of CVD risk factors including alcohol use (31.7%), nicotine use (21%), hypertension (21.3%), and overweight/obesity (55%).
- Abdominal obesity was prevalent, particularly in females (59.2%).
- Psychiatric condition was significantly associated with alcohol use and physical activity levels.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a substantial burden of CVD risk factors in individuals with mental illness.
- Mental health practitioners should routinely screen for and manage these risk factors.
- Systematic monitoring can contribute to national health targets and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with mental illness attending the Mental Health Care Centre, Windhoek, Namibia.
Design:
Observational, cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Mental health Care Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital. Namibia.
Participants:
Adult patients with a mental illness attending the Mental Health Care Centre, Windhoek.
Data Collection:
Within a systematic random sampling method, 385 adult patients with mental illness were recruited between May and December 2017.
Statistical Analysis:
Validated assessment tools were used. Descriptive summary statistics and Chi-squared tests of association were conducted.
Results:
One-third (31.7%) of participants used alcohol, 21% used nicotine, 21.3% had hypertension, 55% were over-weight or obese, 59.2% of females and 11.5% of males had abdominal obesity. About twenty per cent (19.9%) of participants did meet the World Health Organisation recommended level of activity, while more than two-thirds of participants did not participate in moderate or vigorous physical activities. The patient's psychiatric condition was significantly associated with alcohol use (Chi-square=20.450, p=0.002) and physical activity (Chi-square=20.989, p=0.002). The psychiatric condition was not associated with the waist circumference and gender of the participant.
Conclusions:
The increased prevalence of CVD risk factors in people with mental illness calls for mental health practitioners to screen, monitor and manage these risk factors regularly. Systematically screening and monitoring for cardiovascular risk factors is likely to contribute to National targets and significantly impact cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in people with mental illness.
Funding:
This work was financed by internal resources of the Mental Health Care Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital.
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