Factors associated with high cholesterol levels in Lusaka, Zambia: a community-based study

Abstract

Background: High cholesterol level is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates for high cholesterol levels in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Methods: A modified World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance method was used to collect data among adults. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate magnitudes of associations.
Results: A total of 1928 individuals participated in the survey. Overall, 15.8% (12.8% among male and 17.3% among female, p=0.013) respondents had high cholesterol levels. Compared to males aged 45 years or older, males of age 25-34 years were 44% less likely to have raised cholesterol levels. Males with body mass index (BMI) <18.5 and 25.0-29.9 were 87% less and 2.49 times more likely to have raised cholesterol, respectively, compared to males with BMI of 30 or more. Meanwhile, females aged 25-34 years were 22% less likely to have raised cholesterol compared to females aged 45 years or older. Compared to females with BMI of 30 or more, females with BMI of 18.5-24.9 and 25.0-29.9 were 33% less and 57% more likely, respectively, to have raised cholesterol levels.
Conclusion: A series of surveys to determine changes in total and LDL cholesterol are needed to estimate changes in the health level of the residents in Lusaka. These results could be used in the formulation of an action plan to prevent and control high cholesterol and its consequences among Zambian urban residents.