An assessment of cardiovascular risk among the people of a Nigerian university community.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of cardiovascular disorder risk among the staff and students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Methods: Six hundred apparently healthy subjects voluntarily participated in this study. They consisted of 200 students, 200 junior workers and 200 senior staff. Subjects' weight, height and blood pressures were taken. Subsequently, the questionnaire used for the Framingham Heart Study was given for completion. The questionnaire sought information on cardiovascular risk factors including smoking habits, sedentary lifestyle, diet, personality trait, age and sex.

Results: Students had a mean risk score of 10.24, junior staff 11.38, and senior staff 12.42. Significant differences were found between the level of risk for the students and that of the senior staff. However, no significant difference existed between the junior and senior staff and no significant difference existed between the level of risk for the students and the junior staff. Further, there was no significant difference in the level of risk for males compared to females.

Conclusion: We concluded that the level of cardiovascular risk was low among the subjects selected for this study.