Prevalence and knowledge of modifiable cardiovascular diseases risk factors among vulnerable population in Central Tanzania

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the global public health problem which has been associated with increasing prevalence of modifiable CVDs risk factors. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and knowledge of modifiable CVDs risk factors among vulnerable population of Central Tanzania. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 749 participants were interviewed. The socio-demographic information and modifiable CVDs risk factors (behavioral and biological) were measured using a modified World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach for chronic disease risk factor surveillance. Knowledge of modifiable CVDs risk factors was measured by comprehensive heart disease knowledge questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the knowledge and prevalence of modifiable CVDs risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with adequate knowledge of CVDs risk factors. Results The prevalence of béhavioral risk factors were; current smokers and alcohol consumers were 4.4% and 18.0% respectively, use of raw salt was 43.7%, consumption of fruit/vegetables < 5 days per week was 56.9%. The prevalence of Biological CVDs risk factors was as follows: Overall, 63.5% (33.3% overweight and 29.9% obese) were overweight or obese, 4.5% were diabetic and 43.4% were hypertensive. Only 35.4% of participants had adequate knowledge of CVDs risk factors. Being a male (AOR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.01–2.06, p < .05), having primary education (AOR = 6.43, 95%CI = 2.39–17.36, p < .0001), being employed (AOR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.00-2.52, p < .05), ever checked blood pressure (AOR = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.42–0.84, p < .001), family history of hypertension (AOR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.25–0.57, p < .0001) determined adequate knowledge of CVDs risk factors. Conclusions This study has revealed a high prevalence of modifiable CVDs risk factors and low knowledge of CVDs risk factors. Community health promotion interventions to increase population knowledge of CVDs risk factors are recommended for the efficacious reduction of CVDs in the country.

Perspectives for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases in Tanzania: Is Knowledge Translated into Practice?

“…These findings are fairly similar to those from our earlier study conducted among caregivers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, 12 however, other studies from Tanzania have revealed significantly lower knowledge rates (ie, 25.4% and 35.4%). 31 , 32 Likewise, other African studies have revealed significantly lower knowledge rates, ranging from 6.7% in Rwanda to 33.9% in Ethiopia. 33–35 The good public knowledge observed in this present multiregional study is potentially a result of scaling up of NCD advocacy activities along with other NCD initiatives by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health (MoH).…”

“…[28][29][30] In unison with our present findings, a couple of other studies in a Tanzanian setting revealed somewhat similar rates of modifiable behavioral risks. [11][12][13]31 Nonetheless, regardless of the enormous challenges facing its implementation and sustainability, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is undeniably the most efficient and cost-effective strategy in the battle against NCDs.…”