The Pattern of Cardiovascular Disease Risks Among Working People (18-64 Years) via a Nationwide Household-Based Survey in Malaysia

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is prevalent globally and it is increasing tremendously. The article aimed to determine the prevalence and the odds ratio of seven type of diseases/ risk factors which contribute to CVDs among working people (18–64 years) in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study among a nationally representative sample in Malaysia was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Clinical procedures were done by registered nurses to measure glucose, cholesterol, body mass index and blood pressure. The prevalence and prevalence odds ratio were calculated via complex samples data analysis of IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Results The overall prevalence of CVD risks among working people were 14.1%, 17.3%, 24.5%, 28.8%, 31.7%, 45.9% and 94.2%, for diabetes, obesity, hypertension, physically inactive, tobacco smoker, hypercholesterolemia and inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, respectively. This study found that older age was associated with the odds of having the most CVD risks. Males were associated with higher odds of having hypertension and tobacco smoker, whereas females were more likely to have hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and physical inactivity. Those who worked as the manager & senior officials, clerical workers and services & sales workers were physically inactive while workers from the lower educational level were more likely to smoke tobacco. Workers in public sector were more likely to have a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and obesity than workers in private sector. Conclusions This study highlighted that working people have significant CVD risks and the best intervention should be conducted at workplace settings.