Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Assessment Among University Employees in India and Its Implications on Planning Worksite CVD Prevention and Health Promotion Interventions.

INTRODUCTION

University employees worldwide have a relatively higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, in the Indian context, most University employees are not regularly screened for CVD risk factors. Against this background, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension and CVD risk factors among Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University employees in India.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included the university's teaching, administrative, and support staff (n=126). Data on physiological, anthropometric, worksite, and sociodemographic variables were collected using the WHO Stepwise approach to noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factor surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire. The chi-square/Fisher's exact test was used to test the association of employees' sociodemographics, work-related addictions, diet intake, exercise, and health-related characteristics with CVD risk. The univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the factors associated with CVD risk.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 42%. There was a clustering of NCD risk factors (≥ 3 risk factors) in 88% (n=111) of employees. Overweight and obesity were the most prominent risk factors identified in 64% (n=81) of the employees, followed by family history of CVDs (62%, n=78), unhealthy dietary habits (61%, n=77), abdominal obesity (45%, n=57), and raised blood pressure (42%, n=53). Further, men's gender, age of more than 40 years, family structure, consumption of alcohol, smoking, higher monthly income, and academic and regular employment were the risk factors significantly associated with future CVD development risk.

CONCLUSION

University employees are prone to developing CVDs, and urgent attention is needed to develop worksite CVD prevention and health promotion interventions.