PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN THE RURAL AREAS OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factorsin the rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Methodology: This was a community based cross sectional study carried out,from February 2011 to July 2013. We evaluated healthy subjects following theWHO Stepwise approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS).Individual consent was obtained. Data was collected on proforma prepared in thelight ofWHOcore version 2.1, during a free medical camp campaign. Social class(Upper, Middle, Lower) was assigned to each participant based on theiroccupation. The variables recorded were pertinent clinical history, BP, body massindex (BMI), waist circumference, tobacco use, dietary habits, physical activity,Random Blood Sugar and total Cholesterol. Data was analyzed using SPSSversion 16.

Results: A total of 2569 adults were analyzed. Mean age was 45.97 ±12.1 (25-64) years. Prevalence of hypertension (BP 140/90) was 26.7% with 11.1%newly diagnosed cases. Mean BMI & waist circumference were 23.64 ±2.69(17-35) and 86.30 ±7.98 (70-108), respectively with abdominal obesity moreprevalent in females (21.7% vs. 18%, p<0.0001). Prevalence of DM was 7.9%,more in male 4.6%, with 2.1% newly diagnosed cases. Tobacco use and Physicalinactivity was 24.4% and 23.6% respectively. Positive CVD family history waspresent in 11.9%.

Conclusion: There is higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the rural populationof Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.