Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment of Senior Staff Members of a Nigerian University

Abstract

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment is not a routine screening practice in many establishments despite the reported increasing prevalence of CVD globally. This study assessed the level of CVD risk among senior staff members of a Nigerian university.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 221 academic and non-academic staff members of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile–Ife, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. CVD risk was assessed using the Framingham Heart study questionnaire. Risk factors recorded were age, sex, personality type, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, weight and blood pressure. Risk scores were classified as low (0-19), moderate (20-29) and high (40+). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p 0.05). Participants in high risk category were almost twice more likely to develop CVD compared to those at low risk (OR=1.933, CI=0.457-8.184). Similarly, males and females in high risk category were almost twice at risk of developing CVD compared to those at moderate risk (OR=1.882, CI=0.434-8.167). Furthermore, they were twice more likely to develop CVD compared to those in low risk category (OR=2.056, CI=0.495-8.533).Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease risk of participants in this study appears to be low and CVD risk was not associated with occupation type. Strategic plan to prevent or delay CVD is recommended.