Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Rural Population of Sarawak
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Young and Middle-Aged Rural Population in Sarawak, Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Chang Ching Thon, Lee Ping Yein, Cheah Whye Lian
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Young and Middle-Aged Rural Population in Sarawak, Malaysia
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major public health concern, especially in lower- and middle-income countries like Malaysia, where it was the second leading cause of death in 2006. Despite the known risk factors associated with CHD—such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity—there is a scarcity of comprehensive data regarding these factors in rural communities, particularly in Sarawak. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among 260 participants aged 20 to 65 in a rural community in Sarawak, providing valuable insights into the specific health challenges faced by this population.
High Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity
The findings revealed that the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among participants were significantly concerning, with 39.6% classified as overweight and 11.9% as obese. Additionally, 13% of participants were found to have hypertension, while the occurrence of hyperglycemia (random blood sugar greater than 11.1 mmol/L) was notably low at 1.5%. Chi-square tests confirmed significant associations between various risk factors and demographic variables, including a higher likelihood of obesity in women and significant correlations between smoking status and income. The analysis indicated that participants older than 45 years were vulnerable to high cholesterol levels, emphasizing the need for targeted health interventions.
Conclusion
The study underscores the urgent need for health promotion initiatives in rural communities like Sarawak, where the rates of overweight and obesity pose a substantial risk for cardiovascular diseases. While prevalence rates for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking were lower compared to national surveys, the high prevalence of overweight indicates a critical area for public health focus. To effectively address these health issues, strategies for continuous monitoring, education on healthy lifestyle practices, and enhanced public health infrastructure should be implemented. Further longitudinal studies are needed to acquire a deeper understanding of these cardiovascular risk factors and to develop effective preventative measures.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the study?
The study found that 39.6% of participants were overweight and 11.9% were obese. This indicates a significant concern regarding obesity rates within this rural community in Sarawak.
What were the major cardiovascular risk factors identified in the participants?
The study identified major risk factors including hypertension at 13%, low HDL cholesterol at 37.3%, and high total cholesterol at 26.5%. Smoking prevalence was noted at 15.4%, highlighting various health risks.
How did gender and age influence cardiovascular risk factors in the study?
Women were found to be more likely to be obese, while participants older than 45 years had increased chances of high cholesterol. Significant associations were noted between these demographics and various health risks.
What recommendations were made based on the study's findings?
The study suggests the need for health promotion, enhanced surveillance, and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors in rural areas to promote healthier lifestyle practices and address obesity concerns.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Rural Population of Sarawak”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The keyword 'Study' refers to the systematic investigation conducted to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among the participants in the rural community of Sarawak, Malaysia. It emphasizes the importance of research in understanding public health issues and informs future health promotion strategies in similar populations.
2) Blood:
In the context of the research, 'Blood' is crucial as blood tests were performed to assess cholesterol levels and glucose concentrations. Understanding blood measurements helps in identifying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are significant cardiovascular risk factors.
3) Disease:
'Disease' relates to the focus of the study on cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD), which is a leading cause of mortality. The identification of risk factors for these diseases is essential for developing preventive measures and improving community health outcomes.
4) Village:
'Village' indicates the rural setting in which the study was conducted, highlighting the target population's unique socio-economic context. The rural environment often presents different health challenges and risk factors compared to urban settings, necessitating focused research to address these disparities.
5) Table:
'Table' refers to the presentation of data in a structured format within the study. Tables summarize key findings and comparisons between different demographic groups, providing a clear overview of cardiovascular risk factor prevalence and facilitating interpretation of the research results.
6) Measurement:
'Measurement' underscores the methodologies used to collect data such as blood pressure, weight, and height. Accurate measurements are vital for determining health status and identifying individuals at risk for conditions like obesity and hypertension, which are integral to the study's aims.
7) Rampal:
'Rampal' refers to the author of cited research that contributed to understanding the relationships between risk factors and cardiovascular diseases in Malaysia. Citing established authors enhances the credibility of the study and situates it within the existing body of literature.
8) Death:
'Death' is a critical outcome related to cardiovascular diseases and is frequently mentioned in the study. Understanding mortality rates associated with conditions like coronary heart disease is necessary for public health planning and resource allocation to prevent avoidable deaths.
9) Cina:
'China' is cited in the context of studies that compare cardiovascular risk factors across different countries. It highlights the geographical variation in health risks, emphasizing that findings from one region may not be directly applicable to another due to sociocultural differences.
10) Sugar:
'Sugar' specifically relates to blood sugar levels measured in the study. Elevated blood sugar is associated with diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring blood sugar is essential for early detection and management of health issues.
11) Male:
'Male' refers to one of the two primary gender classifications analyzed in the study. The prevalence of risk factors such as obesity and hypertension is often assessed by gender, as biological and social factors can influence health outcomes differently in males and females.
12) Farmer:
'Farmer' describes a significant proportion of participants in the study who are engaged in this occupation. Understanding the lifestyle and health of farmers is important, as it helps identify specific risks and lifestyle factors related to rural communities and their health profiles.
13) House:
'House' signifies the residential context from which participants were selected. The household setting is relevant in understanding socio-economic conditions, nutrition, and lifestyle factors that might contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular risks in the community.
14) Education:
'Education' is a key socio-economic determinant that influences health behaviors and access to health information. In the study, education levels could impact participants' awareness of health risks and their capacity to adopt preventive practices against cardiovascular diseases.
15) India:
'India' is included as a comparative reference for cardiovascular disease research. Like China, findings in India regarding CVD prevalence and risk factors can provide insights into trends and help to understand cultural and dietary influences across Asia.
16) Diet:
'Diet' is a critical aspect of assessing cardiovascular risk factors. The study may address dietary habits due to the established links between nutrition and health. Understanding diet helps in evaluating contributions to obesity, hypertension, and other related conditions.
17) Line:
'Line' could refer to the poverty line or the demographic stratification in the study. Identifying individuals living below the poverty line highlights the socio-economic context affecting health, as lower income is often associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.
18) Pur:
'Poor' denotes individuals or households that fall below a certain socio-economic threshold. The study highlights health challenges faced by poorer populations, underscoring how economic disparities contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors within rural communities.
19) Relative:
'Relative' in this context may involve comparing the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among different demographic groups in relation to socio-economic status, ethnicity, or gender. This comparative analysis assists in understanding disparities and targeting health interventions effectively.
20) Meeting:
'Meeting' signifies discussions held with local leaders or stakeholders to engage them in the research process. Such meetings are crucial for obtaining community support and ensuring ethical considerations are met during participant recruitment and data collection.
21) Andhra (Amdhra):
'Andhra' refers to a region in India that may be cited in comparative studies of cardiovascular health. Including different locations broadens the understanding of global health patterns and allows for analysis of risk factors across varying geographical and cultural contexts.
22) Family:
'Family' context is important as it influences individual health behaviors. Understanding familial structures and norms can indicate how health practices, such as diet and physical activity, are transmitted across generations and impact cardiovascular risk factors in the community.
23) Cancer:
'Cancer' may be referenced to discuss co-morbid health risks associated with obesity and other lifestyle factors examined in the study. This highlights the broader implications of cardiovascular health regarding risks associated with non-communicable diseases.
24) Reason:
'Reason' pertains to understanding the underlying causes of health disparities, such as socio-economic factors, education levels, and lifestyles, which contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the studied demographics.
25) Street:
'Street' represents the informal settings where participants live and interact. The physical environment, including community infrastructure, can influence health behaviors related to diet, exercise, and healthcare access, impacting cardiovascular risk factors.
26) Seat (Seated):
'Seated' is associated with the measurement of blood pressure during the participant’s examination. The position of an individual during health assessments is essential to obtaining accurate physiological measurements that will inform the study outcomes.
27) Gupta:
'Gupta' names an author whose research might be referenced in discussing cardiovascular risk factors. Recognizing prior studies by established researchers lends authority and context to the current research while facilitating further investigation into similar themes.
28) Visit:
'Visit' refers to the fieldwork conducted to gather data from chosen participants' households. Structured home visits are integral to community-based studies, allowing for direct engagement with participants and more accurate data collection.
29) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
'Worry' encapsulates the concern regarding the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors identified in the study. It highlights the urgency for public health interventions to mitigate risks and improve community health outcomes.
30) Siti (Shiti):
'Siti' could refer to a specific participant or stakeholder involved in the study. Personalities or individuals cited in research humanize findings and show the study's relevance to real-life contexts, emphasizing the impact on individual and community health.
31) Food:
'Food' pertains to dietary practices analyzed within the study as a contributor to health outcomes. Understanding local dietary habits is crucial in assessing nutritional status and identifying risk factors tied to cardiovascular disease.
32) Road:
'Road' symbolizes the infrastructural conditions affecting accessibility to health resources. Poor road conditions can limit healthcare access and increase challenges in conducting community health surveys, ultimately influencing participant recruitment and data accuracy.
33) Wall:
'Wall' represents physical structures in participant households or villages and may imply a broader view of the living conditions. Assessing housing and community environments is essential in understanding their impact on public health status.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Rural Population of Sarawak’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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