English

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic-degenerative diseases (CDD) is increasing rapidly in many countries throughout the world. This increase is mainly related to changes in lifestyles, but very little is known on adults from the developing countries. The aim of the study was to provide data on the prevalence of risk factors of chronic diseases in retired Senegalese men, and to investigate the relation between these risk factors and their socio economic status. A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 203 retired men aged 70 ± 7 years, living in Dakar and suburbans (Senegal). Clinical examination, anthropometry (weight, height, hip and waist circumferences), fasting glucose, triglycerides, total, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were carried out. Socio-economic data were also collected. The prevalence of CD risk factors was very high. 76.6% of the retired men were at risk of cardiovascular diseases, 31% were overweight and 28% have high fasted blood glucose. Hypertension was present in 33% of the population. Abdominal fatness (wait to hip ratio) was significantly more important in the high income group than in the lower income group. The high prevalence of CDD risk factors in the older Senegalese men is associated with their advanced age and their socio-economic conditions. Key words: Risk factors, prevalence, chronic diseases, Senegalese retired men.