Behavioral Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases among Adults: Results from a Community-Based Study in Sabaragamuwa province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are behavioural risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. These risk factors can be easily changed or modified. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of behavioural risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and identify their correlates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged between 30-60 years in Sabaragamuwa province, Sri Lanka. Three stage random sampling method was used to select the participants. WHO STEPS wise interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Chi square test was used to assess the associations between risk factors and their correlates. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 366 adults participated. Among males 28.4% and 34.3% were current smokers and alcohol users, respectively. Females neither smoked nor consumed alcohol. Only 16.9% of the participants met the WHO recommendations of fruit and vegetable consumption. Approximately two third were physically inactive (63.4%). Women were significantly physically inactive than men (p=<0.001). Men in younger age group smoked than men in older age group (p=0.012). Conclusion: Higher prevalence of behavioural risk factors reported in this study emphasizes the urgent need of adopting healthy lifestyle in this population.

Keywords

• behavioural risk factors
• cardiovascular diseases
• adults
• sri lanka