CV risk factors in a convenience sample of community dwelling kenyans

Background: There is an emerging epidemic of CVD in sub-Saharan Africa which is predicted to worsen and is often attributed to westernization of lifestyle. Objectives; The purpose of this study was to systematically assess biobehavioral CV risk factors in a community sample. Methods: A convenience sample of consecutive patients at 5 Kenyan clinics was screened for CVRF using protocols and validated questionnaires (BRFSS, WHO). Clinical data were imported into Stata© for analysis. US/Kenyan IRB approval. Results: 941 individuals (mean age 49 [±18.68], 79% female, 99% black), were screened with high rates of HTN (39.9%), DM (7.1%), BMI ≥ 25 (44.1%). Women were more likely to be overweight (50.14%, 23.16%; p=0.00) and have ↑waist circumference (44.28%, 7.92%; p=0.00) than men. Older age (<45, 45-64, 65+) was associated with ↑ rates of HTN (18.3%, 50.0%, 61.94%; p=0.00). The majority (61.41%) had 2+ CVRF and self-reported health to be fair/poor (66.9%) and depressive symptoms (15.89%). Self-reported behaviors included; physical activity ≥ 1 hr/day (81.29%), never/rarely drank soda (89.53%), cooked with solid fat (66.78%), smoking (4.93%). Significant gender differences (male/female; p<.01) were noted for smoking (15.68%, 2.14), alcohol (16.33, 2.3%), stress (41.3%, 51.6%) and adding salt to food (38.6%, 29.0%). Conclusions: The prevalence/clustering of CVRFs were high. Lifestyle RF differed from Western models (low rates of sedentary activity, smoking and sweetened drinks). Gender differences were noted. This challenges current assumptions about the impact of globalization on lifestyle CVRF; and suggests a need for further study and cultural/gender tailoring of prevention strategies to optimize outcomes.