scholarly journals A cross-sectional survey of cardiovascular health and lifestyle habits of hospital staff in the UK: Do we look after ourselves?

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 543-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarun K Mittal ◽  
Christine L Cleghorn ◽  
Janet E Cade ◽  
Suzanne Barr ◽  
Tim Grove ◽  
...  

Background A high prevalence of stress-related disorders is well known among healthcare professionals. We set out to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and compliance with national dietary and physical activity recommendations in NHS staff in the UK with comparison between clinical and non-clinical staff, and national surveys. Design A multi-centre cross-sectional study. Methods A web-based questionnaire was developed to include anonymised data on demographics, job role, cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, dietary habits, physical activity and barriers towards healthy lifestyle. This was distributed to staff in four NHS hospitals via emails. Results A total of 1158 staff completed the survey (response rate 13%) with equal distribution between the clinical and non-clinical groups. Most staff were aged 26–60 years and 79% were women. Half of the staff were either overweight or obese (51%) with no difference between the groups ( P = 0.176), but there was a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared to the general population. The survey revealed a low compliance (17%) with the recommended intake of five-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables, and that of moderate or vigorous physical activity (56%), with no difference between the clinical and non-clinical staff ( P = 0.6). However, more clinical staff were exceeding the alcohol recommendations ( P = 0.02). Lack of fitness facilities and managerial support, coupled with long working hours, were the main reported barriers to a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions In this survey of UK NHS staff, half were found to be overweight or obese with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared to the general population. There was a low compliance with the five-a-day fruit and vegetables recommendation and physical activity guidelines, with no difference between the clinical and non-clinical staff.

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 003685042110037
Author(s):  
Zhichong Chen ◽  
Menghui Liu ◽  
Shaozhao Zhang ◽  
Zhenyu Xiong ◽  
Xiangbin Zhong ◽  
...  

China is at a stage of rapid urbanization over the past decades, and the association of urbanization with cardiovascular disease has been confirmed by previous studies. However, few studies assessed the association of urbanization with cardiovascular risk factors, especially in Chinese population. We conducted a cross-sectional, populational-based study, using data from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2009. The logistic regression was used to assess the association of urbanization measured by urban index with cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, physical activity and fruits and vegetables consumption), varied with sex. The current study included 18,887 participants enrolled (mean age 39.8 ± 19.8 years; 52.2% female) who live in China. In regression model, the urban index was significantly associated with the variations of cardiovascular risk factors for male, including diabetes (OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.22–1.48), hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.09–1.22), never smoking (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.96), higher fruits and vegetables consumptions (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.10–1.22), and higher physical activity (OR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.66–0.73). Compared with the male, the associations of urban index with cardiovascular risk factors for female were similar, but not for BMI (OR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96–1.05). The present finding emphasizes the changes of cardiovascular risk factors associated with urbanization in China, and indicated that close attention should be paid to the risk of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and men’s obesity in the process of urbanization.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Febriani Fajar Ekawati ◽  
Tri Winarti Rahayu ◽  
Hendrig Joko Prasetyo

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) merupakan salah satu penyebab kematian utama di dunia. Kurangnya aktivitas fisik dapat meningkatkan risiko penyakit ini. Meskipun telah banyak penelitian yang menyelidiki tentang hubungan aktivitas fisik dan faktor risiko penyakit kardiovaskuler, hanya terdapat beberapa penelitian di Indonesia yang menelaah tentang peran aktivitas fisik dalam perkembangan penyakit kardiovaskuler. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan tentang tingkat aktivitas fisik dan menyelidiki hubungannya dengan faktor risiko penyakit kardiovaskuler pada karyawan kantor di lingkungan Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian potong lintang, dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 44 orang. Data level aktivitas fisik diperoleh dari International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sedangkan faktor-faktor risiko penyakit kardiovaskuler (gula darah, kolesterol, tekanan darah, lingkar pinggang, dan IMT) diukur dengan menggunakan alat ukur yang sesuai. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa level aktivitas fisik karyawan berkategori Rendah sebesar 6.82%, Sedang sebesar 72.73%, dan Tinggi sebesar 20.45%. Berdasarkan uji Pearson Correlation, tekanan darah baik sistolik dan diastolik mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan level aktivitas fisik. Tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara level aktivitas fisik dengan faktor risiko lainnya dalam penelitian ini. Secara umum penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa level aktivitas fisik karyawan di lingkungan UNS adalah berkategori sedang, dan tekanan darah mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan aktivitas fisik. Physical activity level and cardiovascular risk factors among university employees AbstractNoncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are one of the leading deaths in the world. Insufficiency of physical activity (PA) escalate the risk of NCDs. Although the reports of the studies investigating the relationship between PA and cardiovascular risk factors are abundance, only a few studies in Indonesia examined the role of PA in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to describe the level of PA and investigate the relationships between PA and cardiovascular risk factors among UNS employees. This was a cross sectional study with a sample of 44 university employees. PA level was assessed using IPAQ. Meanwhile cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference, and BMI were measured using an appropriate tool for each measure. The results revealed that participants with low level of PA (6.82%), moderate category (72.73%), and high category (20.45%). Pearson Correlation analysis showed blood pressure both systolic and diastolic had a significant association with PA level. There was no a significant association between PA level and others cardiovascular risk factors in this research. Generally, this study exhibited the level of PA among UNS employees in the moderate category, and blood pressure had a significant association with PA.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e021704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trygve Berge ◽  
Magnus Nakrem Lyngbakken ◽  
Håkon Ihle-Hansen ◽  
Jon Brynildsen ◽  
Mohammad Osman Pervez ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo investigate the sex-specific prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), including subclinical AF found by screening in a general population aged 63–65 years. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their association with AF will also be investigated.DesignCross-sectional analysis of an observational, prospective, longitudinal, population-based cohort study.SettingGeneral population in Akershus county, Norway.ParticipantsWomen and men born in 1950. We included 3706 of 5827 eligible individuals (63.6%); 48.8% were women.MethodsAll participants underwent extensive cardiovascular examinations, including 12-lead ECG. History of AF and other cardiovascular diseases were self-reported. Subsequent validation of all reported or detected AF diagnoses was performed.ResultsMean age was 63.9±0.7 years. Prevalence of ECG-verified AF was 4.5% (women 2.4%, men 6.4%; p<0.001), including screen-detected AF in 0.3% (women 0.1%, men 0.6%; p<0.01). Hypertension was found in 62.0% (women 57.8%, men 66.0%; p<0.001). Overweight or obesity was found in 67.6% (women 59.8%, men 74.9%; p<0.001). By multivariate logistic regression, risk factors associated with AF were height (OR 1.67 per 10 cm; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.22; p<0.001), weight (OR 1.15 per 10 kg; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.30; p=0.03), hypertension (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.61 to 3.86; p<0.001), heart failure (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.71 to 7.24; p=0.001), reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.42 to 4.60; p<0.01) and at least one first-degree relative with AF (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.31; p<0.001), whereas male sex was not significantly associated (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.59 to 1.68; p=0.99).ConclusionIn this cohort from the general population aged 63–65 years, we found a higher prevalence of known AF than previously reported below the age of 65 years. The additional yield of single time point screening for AF was low. Body size and comorbidity may explain most of the sex difference in AF prevalence at this age.Trial registration numberNCT01555411; Results.


Author(s):  
Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat ◽  
Siti Aishah Hanawi ◽  
Nor M. F. Farah ◽  
Hazilah Mohd Amin ◽  
Hazlenah Hanafiah ◽  
...  

Cardiovascular disease is a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Malaysia. Various attempts have been made to resolve this issue. One of the most important methods of controlling cardiovascular risk factors is physical exercise. However, today’s women, especially housewives, are often identified by a lack of physical activity. This is alarming to society, as cardiovascular disease can affect the quality of their life. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors among low-income housewives in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 63 housewives participated in this cross-sectional study. All participating housewives were asked to fill out a sociodemographic questionnaire and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken. Findings showed that an average of 70.5 ± 232.4 min/week was spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which indicated a low level of physical activity. Data showed that 90.5% of the subjects had low physical activity, 6.3% were moderate, and 3.2% were considered as having a high level of physical activity. For body mass index (BMI), 58.7% of the respondents were obese, 28.6% were overweight (29.10 ± 5.67 kg m–2), and 81.0% of subjects had a waist circumference (WC) value above the normal range (92.74 ± 16.40 cm). A two-way ANOVA test revealed significant mean differences between systolic blood pressure (mm/Hg) and age groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was a significant association between MVPA and cardiovascular risk factors using negative binomial regression (p < 0.01). The findings of this study highlight the need for health promotional programs to raise awareness, educate, and engage low-income housewives in lifestyle-enhancing behaviors.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montse Gómez-Recasens ◽  
Silvana Alfaro-Barrio ◽  
Lucia Tarro ◽  
Elisabet Llauradó ◽  
Rosa Solà

Abstract BackgroundThe impact of occupational physical activity (OPA) intensity, considering adults work many hours a day, on health is unknown. The present study aims to evaluate the association between the high intensity of OPA and cardiovascular risk factors of employees.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in the “Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas S.A. Company” (FCC S.A. Delegation) in 2017, Spain. The intensity of OPA of each employee was classified by work categories in low (≤ 3 METs) or high (> 3 METs). Health and lifestyle data of employees were collected on medical consultation in the workplace.ResultsAssociations were analyzed between the high intensity of OPA and cardiovascular risk factors of employees. 751 employees, 55.5% (n = 417) with high intensity of OPA. An 82.2% (n = 245) of employees with low intensity of OPA presented overweight/obesity compared with 69.0% (n = 171) with high intensity of OPA employees (p < 0.001). In men, high intensity of OPA is negatively associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) (B: -0.042, p = 0.003), waist circumference (B: -0.027, p < 0.001) waist-hip ratio (B: -5.484, p < 0.001), cholesterol (B: -0.007, p = 0.001) and triglycerides (B= -0.003, p = 0.025). In women, high intensity of OPA was positively associated with blood pressure (BP) (systolic BP: B = 0.036, p = 0.005 and diastolic BP: B = 0.040, p = 0.021).ConclusionsIn conclusion, the high intensity of OPA is associated with less cardiovascular risk factors in men, whereas women are associated with high levels of blood pressure, suggesting an influence of gender and work categories.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutvo Sporišević ◽  
Vjekoslav Krželj ◽  
Adnan Bajraktarević ◽  
Elmedina Jahić

Atherosclerosis is a pathological condition that begins in early childhood, but clinically the disease manifests in older age. The aim of work was to determine frequency of atherosclerosis risk factors in healthy school children. Cross-sectional study included 214 children in mean age 10,99±2,52 years, within range 7 to 15 years. Patients body mass index, blood pressure, lipid status, dietary habits, physical activity and sedentary habits have been evaluated. Cardiovascular risk factors are significantly present in children (P<0,05) i.e. one cardiovascular risk factor is present in 47/214 (21,96%) children, two risk factors had 25/214 (11,68%) children, while 17/214 (7,94%) children had three or more cardiovascular risk factors. Obesity was present in 20/214 (9,34%) children, while overweight was present in 23/214 (10,83%) children. Hypertension was present in 10/214 (4,67%) children, and it was significantly present (p<0,05) in obese and overweight children. Total cholesterol was increased in 171/214 (8,87%) children, LDL-cholesterol was increased in 11/214 (5,14%), increased triglycerides had 4/214 (1,86%) children, while decreased HDL-cholesterol was found in (3/214, 1,40%) children. Unhealthy dietary habits were present in 45/214 (21,02%) chil- dren, 42/214 (19,62%) children is physically inactive, while sedentary habits were shown in 39/214 (18,22%) children. Research shows that a large number within study group has one or more cardiovascular risk factors that can lead to premature atherosclerosis. Using massive screening of cardiovascular risk factors, along with adequate physical activity, healthy dietary habits, reduced sedentary habits, doctors and teacher’s education, parents and children can reduce premature clinical sequels in atherosclerotic process


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