Aim of studyTo determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors in the population of Gaza strip in Palestine.MethodsA cross-sectional stratified cluster sample design was applied in this study. A sample of 2240 participant (1121 males and 1119 females) aged ≥25 years participated in the study. For each individual, trained staff administered a questionnaire, where all variables of interest followed WHO’s STEP wise approach to surveillance chronic disease risk factors (STEPS) (WHO, 2001). Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measure (body mass index, blood pressure), and biochemical test (blood sugar and lipids profiles) were measured. Short International Physical Activity (IPAQ) questionnaire form was used. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used with SPSS (version 22.0) to analyze the data.ResultsThe most common condition was coronary artery disease (8.3%), followed by stroke events (3%). The associated risk factors were obesity (47.8%), hypertension (28.4%), current smoking account for (23.2%), diabetes mellitus (19.1%), high cholesterol level (8.8%), and high triglycerides level (40.2%). Additionally, the proportion of being physical active was found to be low (48.3%); particularly with increasing age. More than 30% of the population has less than 4 days of consumption of fruit and vegetables per week and 65.9% has less than 2 servings per day.ConclusionThe burden of CVDs and their associated risk factors is considerable in Gaza and represents a major public health concern. Effective strategies in management, education and healthcare centers are required for an accurate management and implementation of preventive measure in this area.

BackgroundThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health and clinical challenge worldwide. However, limited data are available in the Gaza strip. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its association with atherosclerotic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among Gazan adults’ community.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, among all adults ≥25 years of age. Participants were selected by stratified cluster sampling method, in five governorates (urban, camps and rural) of Gaza strip. Questionnaires on socioeconomic status, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors were completed for 2107 participants. The cardiovascular diseases included clinical history of coronary artery disease (CAD), Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD diagnosed as ankle brachial index < 0.90) and history of stroke. MetS was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria (IDF).ResultsAmong participants, 864 (41%) fulfilled the definition of MetS higher in females than males (50% vs 39%). In both genders, MetS prevalence increased significantly with age (p<0.001). Subjects with MetS were more obese (73.0% vs 29.4%), hypertensive (49.9% vs 13.0%), diabetic (36.8% vs 5.8%) and had more often low physical activity (58.1% vs 41.3%). Additionally, lipids profiles disorders were more prevalent in cases with MetS. We found MetS significantly associated with all cardiovascular conditions with odd-ratio (95% CI) respectively at 2.4 (95% CI 1.8–3.4) for CAD, 1.5 (95% CI1.1–1.9) for LEAD and 2.1 (95% CI 1.3–3.5) for stroke.ConclusionThe MetS is highly prevalent in the Palestinian population, particularly among women. Subjects with MetS are at significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases.