Knowledge and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases among Residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Osun-State Nigeria

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of illness and death globally. Rapid lifestyle changes have led to an increase in the magnitude of CVD, which is emerging as a predominant health problem in developing countries, adding to the burden of non-communicable diseases that are gradually replacing infectious diseases and malnutrition as established causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at assessing the community knowledge and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Osun-State. It is a cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique to select 239 respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Seventy-nine (33.1%) had poor knowledge of CVD risk factors while 160 (66.9%) had good knowledge. Of the respondents, 86 (36%) were overweight and 64 (26.8%) obese respectively. Thirty (12.7%) were diabetic and 35 (14.6%) were hypertensive. 142 (59.4%) had high CVD risk while 97 (40.6%) had low CVD risk. Predictors of having a high CVD risk include being male and having hypertension. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease among respondents. The alarming prevalence of risk factors in such a population demonstrates the need for organized efforts for the implementation of local and national level programs to prevent cardiovascular diseases.