Association Between Dietary Patterns, Work Stress, Physical Activity, and Cardiometabolic Markers Among University...

Emerging evidence highlight metabolic markers as key indicators of health status, linking subtle metabolic changes with the rising global rate of non-communicable diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and metabolic markers among university workers in Ghana.

A cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 94 participants (34 teaching, 60 non-teaching) via surveys and clinical measurements at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Metabolic markers such as fasting blood glucose, cholesterol levels, abdominal obesity, and blood pressure were defined using the World Health Organisation cutoffs. Univariable logistic regression and multivariate models were adopted to analyse the association between lifestyle components and cardiometabolic markers.

Non-teaching staff reported higher work stress (Job Content Questionnaire = 73.3%), while teaching staff showed lower physical activity (76.5%). Three dietary patterns were identified: Indigenous Ghanaian, Westernised, and High Protein. The most prevalent metabolic markers were high abdominal obesity (52.1%) and elevated blood pressure (19.1%). In multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, education, income and staff category, high protein diet was associated with high blood pressure (aOR = 1.869, 95% CI = 1.011-3.455, p = 0.046).

The results showed significant associations between some cardiometabolic markers and certain dietary patterns, while no significant association was found between work stress, physical activity, and cardiometabolic markers. The high prevalence of abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure highlights the need for targeted workplace interventions. Based on border literature, workplace wellness programs aimed at reducing work stress and promoting physical activity while improving healthy diets will be beneficial to the staff.