Key result
Overweight and obesity are linked to ~2.9-fold higher odds of elevated total cholesterol.
Why the study?
The rise in total cholesterol is a global public health concern impacting cardiovascular health in developing countries, prompting identification of factors associated with raised total blood cholesterol.
Are overweight/obesity and sociodemographic factors associated with raised total blood cholesterol in Rwandan adults aged 18 to 69 years?
Cross-Sectional (n=5,676)
Yes
Are overweight/obesity and sociodemographic factors associated with raised total blood cholesterol in Rwandan adults aged 18 to 69 years?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
In this nationwide Rwandan survey, higher BMI (overweight/obesity), urban residence, older age, and higher education were independently associated with raised total blood cholesterol, highlighting key targets for cardiovascular disease prevention in sub-Saharan Africa.
The rise in total cholesterol level is a public health concern globally, with implications for cardiovascular health especially in developing countries. The prevalence of raised total cholesterol in Rwanda was 2.9% in 2017, increased to 5.6% for men and 7.4% in women in the 55–64 year age groups. A secondary analysis of data collected from a national population-based survey conducted to identify the factors associated with raised total blood cholesterol. This research utilized a sample of 6000 participants, drawn from the STEPS (STEPS-wise Approach to Surveillance) survey. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the respondents characteristics, Bivariate analysis was conducted using weighted Pearson’s chi-square test to examine the association between each independent variable (Normal or raised total blood cholesterol). A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was used to identify variables for inclusion in the weighted multivariable model. This study found that the prevalence of raised total blood cholesterol among Rwandan adults aged 18 to 69 years showed notable differences by age and gender. Overall, women had a higher prevalence (3.3%) of raised cholesterol compared to men (2.1%). The analysis for the association between lifestyle and health status factors with raised total blood cholesterol among participants was analyzed and revealed a significant association between WHO recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and raised total blood cholesterol p < 0.001. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariate analysis confirmed significant associations. Body Mass Index (BMI) remained a strong predictor; the odds of raised total blood cholesterol were 2.9 times higher among overweight and obese participants than those with normal BMI (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.72–5.01, p < 0.001). This study highlights the varied effects nature of raised total blood cholesterol among Rwandan adults aged 18 to 69. Urban residence, older age, female sex, and higher body mass index (BMI) emerged as significant contributors to raised total cholesterol.
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Uwamalayika et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Raised total blood cholesterol (n=5,676). Overweight or obesity (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m²) vs. Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²) was evaluated on Raised total blood cholesterol (≥5.0 mmol/L or ≥190 mg/dL) (AOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.72-5.01, p=<0.001). Overweight and obesity were independently associated with 2.9-fold higher odds of raised total blood cholesterol compared to normal BMI.
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