Cardiovascular disease risk factors and the ten-year cardiovascular disease risk among employees of a public university in Blantyre, Malawi

Abstract

Background
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are the leading cause of death globally and disproportionately affect developing countries such as Malawi. Screening and management of significant ASCVD risk factors is essential. In Malawi, the prevalence of ASCVD risk factors among university staff, an economically important population, has not been well reported. This study investigated the prevalence of risk factors for ASCVDs and the ASCVD risk among employees of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, in Blantyre, Malawi.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2022 with 105 participants. Sociodemographic data, medical history, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Blood samples were analyzed for HbA1C and serum lipids. Associated risk factors for ASCVD were assessed. The 10-year risk for ASCVD was calculated based on the Framingham Risk Table to predict 10-year cardiovascular outcomes. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate associations while adjusting for potential confounders.
Results
Overweight and obesity were prevalent in 78% of the participants, while 43% and 42% of the participants had blood pressure readings in the pre-hypertension and hypertension categories, respectively. A proportion of 21% and 8% of the participants had HbA1c readings in the category of pre-diabetes and diabetes, respectively. Dyslipidaemia was detected in 72% of the participants. Regarding ASCVD risk, 58% had intermediate risk, while 13% had high risk. Being overweight or obese and age over 30 years predicted intermediate to high ASCVD risk (AOR 1.24 (95% CI 1.04 – 1.49) p=0.02, and (AOR 1.51 (95% CI 1.16 – 1.97) p < 0.01, 0.0001 respectively.
Conclusion
This study reveals a high prevalence of ASCVD risk factors among KUHeS employees, with two-thirds of the population having an intermediate or high 10-year ASCVD risk. Routine screening and tailored management strategies are essential to reduce the ASCVD risk and burden in this population.