Key result
Male university staff in South Africa exhibited significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure (129 vs 120 mmHg) compared to females, while females had significantly higher body mass index.
Why the study?
The impact of sex differences on the distribution and combined use of adiposity indexes and hemodynamic parameters remains largely unexplored, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
No
Significant sex-based differences exist in adiposity indices and hemodynamic parameters among South African university staff, emphasizing the need for sex-specific cardiovascular risk assessment.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Sex differences in systolic blood pressure and body mass index may guide targeted screening in similar African cohorts; cross-sectional data leaves open causality and generalizability.
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, with their prevalence continuing to rise each year. Adiposity indexes and hemodynamic parameters have been established as effective predictors of CVDs when analysed separately. However, the impact of sex differences on the distribution and combined use of these predictors remains largely unexplored, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in the distribution of adiposity indexes (AI) and hemodynamic parameters (HP), as well as their associated indicators of cardiovascular diseases risks among staff members at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study was conducted on 100 healthy adults (50 males, 50 females) aged 18–65 years. AI were assessed using a stadiometer, body composition monitor, and tape measure, while HP were measured with a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: The study’s findings revealed that mean values for AI, including height, visceral adiposity index, and waist circumference, were higher in males compared to females, while weight, body mass index, and hip circumference were greater in females. Additionally, the study indicated that mean values for HP, such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, were elevated in males, whereas pulse pressure was higher in females. Notably, heart rate was consistent across both sexes. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful information about the sex-based patterns of adiposity indices and hemodynamic distribution among selected South African populations.
Gogoba et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy adults (cardiovascular risk indicators) (n=100). Male sex vs. Female sex was evaluated on Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) (p=0.001233). Male university staff in South Africa exhibited significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure (129 vs 120 mmHg) compared to females, while females had significantly higher body mass index.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: