Prevalence and Determinants of Selected Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A cross-sectional study among Adults in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of selected risk factors of CVDs and their associations with socio-demographics and anthropometrics factors among adults in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged between 30-60 years. Participants were selected using a three staged random sampling method. The WHO STEPS wise approach was used to collect data. Results: There were 366 participants with a male to female ratio of 1:2.1. The mean age was 45.2 years (SD=8.8). Approximately two-thirds (63.4%) of the participants were physically inactive. Prevalence of high blood pressure, high blood glucose level, high total cholesterol level, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level and high triglycerides were 27.0%, 22.1%, 39.9%, 37.7%, 29.0%, and 37.7% respectively. The mean values of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and triglyceride level were significantly higher among men, whereas mean values of HDL, LDL, waist circumference and BMI were higher in women. Mean SBP, DBP and prevalence of blood pressure increased with age. Mean waist circumference, BMI, total cholesterol, and triglyceride level increased with the years of education. Conclusion: The prevalence of CVD risk factors was considerably high in this population. Therefore, it is essential to plan public health interventions considering the population characteristics associated with CVD risk factors.

Keywords: Adults, Cardiovascular disease, Risk factors, Sri Lanka, WHO STEP wise approach