Modifiable Risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease among young People in Addis Ababa
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Date
1995-05
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
In view of the increasing life expectancy and
adoption of the western life-styles in the city of Addis
Ababa, it was important to document the prevalence of the
modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease in the
community so that preventive plans can be worked out.
This study is a community-based cross-sectional survey
which measured the risk factors for coronary heart
disease among 15-24 years population in Addis Ababa,
1994 . Thirty c l usters with 52 subjects in each were
targeted. With the response rate of 92.1%, a tot.al of
1,436 adolescents (851 females and 585 males), 15 - 24
years of age participated in the study. Structured
questionnaires were administered and selected physical
examinations performed using trained and supervised
research assistants . Current smokers were 11.8% males and
1.1% females. About 34% of the respondents consume
alcoholic beverages regularly, but only 7 . 0% of them
take 100 grams and over alcohol per week. High fat
intake and sedentary life-styles were registered in 4 . 5%
and 8.4% of the respondents , respectively. About 6.0% of
the females and 0.7% of t he males were obese. The
prevalence of elevated diastolic blood pressure was 7.1% .
After adjusting for potential confounders, male sex and
increasing age were found to be important determinants
for current smoking and heavy alcohol consumption . For
obesity being female and increasing age were the mos't
important determinants. Sedentary lifestyle and high fat
intake were strongly r e lated to each other. Elevated
diastolic blood pressure was strongly associated with
obes ity . The current prevalence of modi fiable risk
factors among the young people are not that l ow and this
community based study emphasizes the initiation of
primary preventive activities as soon as possible.
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Keywords
Modifiable Risk factors for Coronary Heart