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The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Some Selected Workers at a Ghanaian University: A Quantitative
Bernard Agyapong Tenkorang1, Naab Justine Ti-Baliana Martha2, Marina Aferiba Tandoh1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Human Nutrition and Dietetics) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol are prevalent among university staff in Ghana. Workplace wellness programs and health screenings are recommended for early detection and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global premature death, with a higher burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Modifiable risk factors including physical inactivity, alcohol use, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity significantly contribute to CVDs.
- Limited data exists on CVD risk factors within workplace settings in Ghana, hindering targeted prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among staff at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.
- To identify disparities in risk factor distribution between teaching and non-teaching staff.
- To provide data for developing workplace interventions for CVD prevention.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted among KNUST staff.
- Data collected included anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, stress, family history of CVD, alcohol consumption, depression, anger, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.
Main Results:
- 32% of participants reported a history of CVD. Significant prevalence of alcohol consumption (18%), depression (14%), anger (9.2-16%), hypertension (19.2%), and high cholesterol (32%) were observed.
- Obesity was higher in teaching staff (32.6%) than non-teaching staff (24.3%). High cholesterol was significantly more prevalent in teaching staff (48%) compared to non-teaching staff (22%).
- Significant differences were found between teaching and non-teaching staff regarding BMI, cholesterol levels, and grip strength. Alcohol consumption and depression showed significant associations with staff status.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a substantial burden of cardiovascular risk factors among university staff in Ghana.
- Significant differences in risk factors between teaching and non-teaching staff warrant tailored interventions.
- Regular health screenings and workplace wellness programs are crucial for early detection and CVD risk reduction in this population.
Background And Aim:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major cause of premature death globally, with the burden disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many CVDs are driven by modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Despite increasing awareness, limited data exist on these risk factors within workplace settings in Ghana, where early detection and prevention could have a substantial impact. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among the staff of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.
Methods:
Anthropometric measurements were assessed together with physical activities, stress levels, and family history of CVD. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results:
About 60% and 40% of the study participants were non-teaching and teaching staff, respectively. Overall, 32% of the participants reported having a CVD history, while 18% consumed alcohol, 14% and 5.8% reported "yes" and "sometimes" having depression, and 9.2% and 16% reported being easily and sometimes angered, respectively. Also, 19.2% of the participants had high blood pressure, while 32% had high cholesterol levels. Furthermore, 24.3% of the non-teaching staff were obese compared to 32.6% of the teaching staff. Also, 9.46% of the non-teaching staff had high blood glucose compared to 6.52% of the teaching staff. Additionally, 22% of the non-teaching staff had high cholesterol levels compared to 48% of the teaching staff, while 24% of the non-teaching staff compared to 6.5% of the teaching staff reported of alcohol consumption. Significant differences were seen in modifiable risk factors among the two groups: BMI (p = 0.0002), cholesterol level (p = 0.0136), and grip-strength (0.0056). Significant associations were observed between alcohol consumption (p = 0.013), depression (p = 0.002), and staff status.
Conclusion:
Regular health screening and workplace wellness programs are needed to support early detection and reduce future cardiovascular disease among staff.
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