Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Nutrient Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers among Women of Reproductive Age in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction:Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality globally, more so in developing countries. The  documentation on determinants and predictors for the cardiovascular disease biomarkers among women of reproductive age in Sub-Saharan Africa is limited, despite the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases. Major determinants of cardiovascular disease include socioeconomic characteristics and nutrient intake while predictors include body composition, hypertension and dyslipidemia. This study established associations between determinants and predictors for cardiovascular disease biomarkers among middle and upper middle-class women in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Materials and Methods: A household based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 women. A researcher administered  questionnaire was used to collect data for three months. The determinants and predictors for the cardiovascular disease biomarkers were measured. Fasting venous blood samples were collected among 42 women. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A third (34%) of the participants were employed in office work, accessed food from supermarket and fast-food outlets (60.8%) and were of upper middle class (41.2%), thus increasing risk to cardiovascular disease. Participants consumed more calorie dense foods and less fruits and vegetables characterized by nutrient intake. The mean intake of potassium (3377.35± 1825.59) and magnesium (1973± 22.48) were inadequate. The mean energy intake (2733.12± 999.55) was above recommended dietary reference of 2000 kilocalories. Almost half of the participants had elevated LDL-C (45.2%), low HDL-C (81%), obesity (41.6%), elevated WHR (63.2%), visceral fat (51.2%), SBP (33.2%) and DBP (45.6%). Nutrient intake was significantly associated with biomarkers for elevated LDL-C (χ²=4.54; p=0.033), total Cholesterol (χ²=4.20; p=0.040), WHR (χ²=6.05; P=0.014), SBP (χ²=14.47; p<0.001) and DBP (χ2=16.07; p<0.001).

Conclusion:The determinants for cardiovascular disease were more likely as predictors of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease among women of reproductive age.

Recommendation: We recommend that the Ministry of Health at County and national level and other stakeholders enact and support interventions that promote intake of low calorie dense foods, more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and physical activity to improve cardio metabolic health.