An overview of cardiovascular risk factor burden in sub-Saharan African countries: a socio-cultural perspective

Abstract

Background: Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are currently experiencing one of the most rapid epidemiological transitions characterized by increasing urbanization and changing lifestyle factors. This has resulted in an increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD). This double burden of communicable and chronic non-communicable diseases has long-term public health impact as it undermines healthcare systems.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Burden in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): The Africa Middle East (AfME) Cardiovascular Epidemiological (ACE) Study Sub-analysis

“…Certain developments have been directly linked to alterations in disease patterns [31,32], and population movement from rural to urban areas has led to an increase in the burden of CV risk factors [2,33]. In the present study the more recognizable observation, in our opinion, is the discreet difference between urban and rural communities in the prevalence of most of these modifiable risk factors, in comparison with a conventional pattern that often displays more prevalent risk factors in urban communities [2,33]. Moreover, rural communities may be reaching prevalence rates for CV risk that are similar to their urban counterparts.…”

Understanding and Advancing the Health of Older Populations in sub-Saharan Africa: Policy Perspectives and Evidence Needs

“…(iv) In adult populations as a whole, there is a considerable prevalence of CVD and diabetes and major CNCD risk factors, in particular hypertension, but also dyslipidemia, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use. [43][44][45] (v) The prevalence of CNCD and risk factors varies across countries as well as between sociodemographic groups. Clearly emerging patterns include a consistently higher prevalence of hypertension, as well as diabetes and obesity in urban compared to rural areas.…”

“…Clearly emerging patterns include a consistently higher prevalence of hypertension, as well as diabetes and obesity in urban compared to rural areas. [43][44][45] (vi) Older persons and adults with CNCD often lack access to required curative, preventive or diagnostic health services. [43][44][45][46] (vii) Older persons may have systematically less access to healthcare than younger age groups.…”

“…[43][44][45] (vi) Older persons and adults with CNCD often lack access to required curative, preventive or diagnostic health services. [43][44][45][46] (vii) Older persons may have systematically less access to healthcare than younger age groups. 47,48 Despite their importance, the insights generated thus far are unable to adequately fill the information gaps that have hindered progress in policy action on ageing and health in SSA countries.…”

Prevalence and Determinants of Adult Obesity in a Low-Income Population of Western Africa: Results from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Lack of physical activity is common among African women and is one of the important risk factors for weight gain [36]. Sociologically, overweight or obese women are often valued in the African population; African women therefore need to be educated on the benefits of physical activity and on the health risks associated with obesity and overweight [37,38].…”