A Descriptive Study to Assess the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Employees Working at Tertiary Care Hospital, Bhopal

Background: Modern lifestyle changes have increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The Global Burden of Disease study estimates that the age-standardised CVD death rate of 272/100,000 in India is higher than the global average of 235/100,000. Objective: The study aimed to assess cardiovascular risk factors among employees of a tertiary care hospital in Bhopal, India. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among employees working at the hospital. Non-probability Quota sampling was used to collect data from 162 employees using self-structured and standardised scales. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings revealed that 27% of the study subjects were consuming tobacco in both smoking and smokeless forms. Thirty per cent of the subjects were overweight. Around 44% of the subjects were found to have central obesity, 33% of the subjects were at risk for peripheral arterial disease and 15% of the subjects had Grade 1 hypertension. The study also highlighted that 40% of the subjects led sedentary lifestyles and engaged in mild physical activity. In comparison, 57% of the subjects had inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption and 74% of the subjects experienced stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. Conclusion: The current study shows a relatively high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in employees. Cardiovascular risk profile factors were found to be high in Group D employees. Biophysiological parameters were found to be altered in Group B employees. Perceived stress, increased BP and inadequate fruit consumption were found to be high in Group C employees.