The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Some Selected Workers at a Ghanaian University: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major cause of premature death globally, with the burden disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many CVDs are driven by modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Despite increasing awareness, limited data exist on these risk factors within workplace settings in Ghana, where early detection and prevention could have a substantial impact. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among the staff of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

METHODS

Anthropometric measurements were assessed together with physical activities, stress levels, and family history of CVD. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.

RESULTS

About 60% and 40% of the study participants were non-teaching and teaching staff, respectively. Overall, 32% of the participants reported having a CVD history, while 18% consumed alcohol, 14% and 5.8% reported "yes" and "sometimes" having depression, and 9.2% and 16% reported being easily and sometimes angered, respectively. Also, 19.2% of the participants had high blood pressure, while 32% had high cholesterol levels. Furthermore, 24.3% of the non-teaching staff were obese compared to 32.6% of the teaching staff. Also, 9.46% of the non-teaching staff had high blood glucose compared to 6.52% of the teaching staff. Additionally, 22% of the non-teaching staff had high cholesterol levels compared to 48% of the teaching staff, while 24% of the non-teaching staff compared to 6.5% of the teaching staff reported of alcohol consumption. Significant differences were seen in modifiable risk factors among the two groups: BMI (p = 0.0002), cholesterol level (p = 0.0136), and grip-strength (0.0056). Significant associations were observed between alcohol consumption (p = 0.013), depression (p = 0.002), and staff status.

CONCLUSION

Regular health screening and workplace wellness programs are needed to support early detection and reduce future cardiovascular disease among staff.