Cardio-metabolic risk factors among healthcare staff: a cross-sectional study at the hospitals in six cities of Ukraine dedicated to World Heart Day 2020

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. There is a little information on the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors in the Ukrainian medical staff. The aim of investigation was to determine the abundance of certain risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) diseases among the medical personnel in the six cities of Ukraine, a study dedicated to World Heart Day 2020. Purpose. To establish the presence of cardio-metabolic risk factors among medical workers in Ukraine. Materials and methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study including 471 participants (415 female and 56 male) between the age of 19 and 79 years surveyed. The cardio-metabolic risk markers assessed were non-modifiable risk factors (family history) and modifiable risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, prediabetes, smoking status). The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) estimated by ESC 2018 recommendations, diabetes and prediabetes by ADA 2019, ESC 2019 and body mass index WHO criteria for obesity classifications. Using standard methods were assessed: fasting glucose concentration, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, HDL-C). Results The median age of participants was 53,3 ± 11,77 years. Positive smoking status reported by 66 persons (14,0%). Analysis of family history showed that 51,4% of the participants had of HTN, 14,9% of myocardial infarction and 25,1% of stroke. The prevalence of modifiable risk factors: HTN registered in 51,4% cases. Around 34,8% of participants were overweight, and 34,6% were obese, 70,7% had waist circumference more than 94 cm (men) and > 80 cm (woman). Prediabetes glycemic levels and diabetes incidence were 42,8% and 12,6%, accordingly. Atherogenic dyslipidemia estimated by increased level of LDL-C more than 4,9 mmol/l, which determinate high risk of CV disorders, estimated in 13,6% participants. Also high triglycerides levels were defined as those of at least 2,3 mmol/l were in 14,9%. Low level of aerobic activity (less than 150 min in week) had 33,4% participants. 30,7% of participants older than 40 years presented high CV risk and 23,9% were in very high risk. Conclusion. Cardio-metabolic risk factors prevail among medical workers in Ukraine. The results point to the relevance of public health recommendations to contribute lifestyle changes and early identification of risk factors for prevention of CV outcomes.