High Prevalence of Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Male Off-shore Workers in Nigeria-A Preliminary Study

摘要

Background:Internationally,Cardiovascular diseases(CVD)constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality and it is estimated that by 2020 a majority of the global burden of CVD will be in developing countries.Offshore workers are often more prone to CVD due to unhealthy lifestyles however,the risk of CVD to this population is largely unknown in sub-Saharan Africa.Our study determined the prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among off-shore workers in Nigeria. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst male off-shore workers in the Niger delta area of Nigeria from January to December 2012.Participants of the study were recruited consecutively during periodic medical fitness for work examinations where sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were obtained in a standardized manner.Venous blood samples were collected in the fasting state for glucose and lipid profile including total cholesterol, triglyceride,HDL and LDL,all of which were analaysed using dry chemistry technique(Reflotron? System,Roche Diagnostics,Germany). Results This study looked at 375 male offshore workers with a mean age of 42.6 7.1 years.Forty-one (10.9%)and 196(52.3%)had a history of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption respectively.The prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors screened for were:hypertension 139(37.1%), diabetes mellitus 30(8.0%),obesity 154(41.1%),hypercholesterolaemia 80(21.3%),lowHDL 30(8.0%), highLDL 66(17.6%),and hypertriglyceridaemia 53(14.1%).Disorders that occurred more frequently in older patients were hypertension(p 0.002),diabetes(p 0.002),obesity(p 0.02)and hypercholester-olaemia(p 0.04).About 19(63.3%)of subjects with diabetes mellitus and 52(37.4%)with hypertension were unaware of the diagnosis prior to the on-site screening. Conclusion The prevalence of modifiable cardiovaascular risk factors among off-shore workers in Nigeria is high.In order to prevent unwanted cardiovascular events in this group,a healthy lifestyle, frequent health screenings and other work place-based health promotion activities should be ensured.