Distribution and characteristics of risk factors for cardiovascular–metabolic disease in a rural Kenyan community

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2015.09.002
• Publication Date: 2015-09-21T18:30:06Z
• Authors: James Muchira; Eileen Stuart-Shor; Jacob Kariuki; Anne Mukuna; Irene Ndigirigi; Lucy Gakage; Vincent Mutuma; Anna Karani
• Keywords: Kenya; Non-communicable disease

The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and associated premature mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa contradicts the widely accepted premise that African countries are only dominated by infectious diseases, malnutrition, maternal child deaths. Among hypertension diabetes mellitus continue to be leading cause death worldwide, with 10–20 million people estimated have 12 reported Africa. purpose this study was assess cardiovascular–metabolic characteristics individuals living one rural community Central Kenya propose interventions address their needs. A convenience sample 262 screened/treated for disease (CVMD) risk factors at a government operated health center Kenya. Self-reported estimates physical activity, dietary intake, smoking perceived were obtained using questions drawn from validated Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. Standardized protocols (Jackson Heart Study) directed collection physiologic measures (blood pressure, glucose, anthropometrics). Clinical data abstracted analyzed Stata©. USA/Kenyan IRB/ethics approval obtained. N = 262, mean age 54 (SD ± 17.02) years; 81% women, 99% Kikuyu ethnicity. history 4%, overweight (BMI ⩾ 25) 34%, 47%. Systolic blood pressure ⩾140 mmHg increased [(12%, 39%, 52%) (<45, 45–64, 65+), respectively (p ⩽ .001)]. Glucose indicative (⩾126 mg/dL fasting or ⩾200 non-fasting) 8.3%. Women more likely than men (39% vs 15%) <0.001) elevated waist circumference (30% 6.3%). lifestyle included: 10% inactive; 68% participants consumed <3 servings vegetables per day; 69% used solid (saturated) fat cooking; 89% added salt cooking [with 28% adding table]; 9% drank soda daily/weekly, 3% currently smoked cigarettes. Overall 65% (n 170) had moderate high cardiovascular on Gaziano Global Score Scale. CVMD but some usually not observed. There is need locally-tailored approaches treatment prevention local level.