Knowledge and Prevalence of Heart Disease Risk Factors Among Staff of a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Hence, awareness of cardiovascular risk factors is an essential step towards effective reduction of the disease burden. This study determined the knowledge and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Staff of Ekiti State University. Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study which comprised of 223 members of staff. RESULTS: There were 103 males (46.2%). Low knowledge of heart disease risk factors was found in 68.6% of the respondents. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight, obesity, physical inactivity was 35.4%, 12.1%, 31.8%, 23.3%, and 83% respectively. Family history of hypertension was a predictor of a high level of knowledge. CONCLUSION: A low level of knowledge and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors existed among staff of Ekiti State University, Nigeria. Hence, there should be a step-up of awareness campaigns and promotion of healthy lifestyle among this category of people.