Outcome of cardiovascular risk assessment among rural community dwellers in ezionum, Nigeria-implications for public health

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Risk assessment has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In view of their proximity and accessibility, community pharmacies could be a suitable site for cardiovascular risk assessment and other preventive health activities especially in rural underserved populations. The objective of this study was to assess outcome of cardiovascular risk assessment among rural community dwellers.Materials and methodsFive hundred and five community dwellers aged 40 to 80 years were recruited for the study. Cardiovascular risk assessment was performed using the region specific WHO/ISH risk assessment charts. Blood pressure, diabetes status, total non- fasting cholesterol, and age were used to estimate risk category. Demographic variables and clinical characteristics were expressed as frequency and percentage. Regression analysis was done to identify predictors of high risk category.ResultsMore than 30% of subjects were hypertensive. Nearly 30% were overweight and had abnormal cholesterol levels. The proportion of subjects in the high risk category was 8.9%. Systolic blood pressure, random blood sugar and advancing age were the highest predictors of high risk category.ConclusionAccessibility, proximity and availability are unique characteristics of community pharmacies that could be exploited to support community based screening services.

Public Health Interventions Delivered by Pharmacy Professionals in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review

“…There were fifteen studies identified across six countries that explored the service provision of pharmacy professionals in the prevention and control of NCDs [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 28 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, weight management, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and alcohol misuse were among the health conditions primarily targeted by the interventions.…”

“…The level C evidence centered on the pharmacy professional-led screening and management of infections and NCDs [ 20 , 25 , 28 , 45 , 51 , 54 , 55 ], antimicrobial stewardship programs [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ], and emergency contraception supply [ 23 ]. The majority of the studies generating level D evidence utilized surveys, with or without mystery patient methodology, to examine the actual practice of pharmacy service provision, while a few used qualitative interviews or focus group discussions with mystery patient methodology [ 18 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 43 , 44 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 53 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. One-quarter of the included studies ( n = 9) examined processes such as acceptability and feasibility of specific services [ 20 , 25 , 44 , 45 , 47 , 54 , 59 , 68 , 70 ].…”

“…The majority of the included studies investigated pharmacy professionals’ service delivery in the areas of NCDs, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and sexual and reproductive health. The studies investigated interventions for identifying individuals who are at risk of developing NCDs, treating people who have NCDs [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 28 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ], testing, treating, and referring people with common infectious conditions, antibiotic stewardship, and family planning services. Furthermore, the intervention addressed six additional health conditions not covered by the preceding themes, including dyspepsia, oral health, pain, immunization, unused medicine or waste management, and community health risk identification.…”

“…In the majority of the included studies, identifying the target population was often difficult as the nature of medicine retail outlets is to serve a local or general population in their catchment area, and encounters were often opportunistic. However, in several NCDs studies that focused on identifying and reducing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the intervention was directed towards adults and older people [ 20 , 28 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ]. In malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea studies, the service provision was primarily targeted at children under the age of five or people living in hard-to-reach areas [ 25 , 26 , 55 , 56 ].…”

Resurgence of non-communicable diseases in LMICs: a cause for concern?

“…We begin with three interesting papers on the cardiovascular system. Adje and others1, have written a research paper on cardiovascular risk assessment from a community in Nigeria.…”