Cardiovascular risk factors among Cameroonian adolescents: Comparison between public and private schools and association with physical activity practice—a cross-sectional study

• Published in: JRSM cardiovascular disease Vol. 12; p. 20480040231210371
• Main Authors: Kamdem, Felicite, Bika Léle, Elysée Claude, Mekoulou Ndongo, Jerson, Ba, Hamadou, Obe Meyong, Marie Ange Prisca, Fenkeu Kweban, Jaff, Moussa, Oumarou, Ngono Atéba, Glwadys, Mouliom, Sidick, Viché, Lade, Ngoté, Henri, Kenmegne, Caroline, Ndom Ebongue, Marie Solange, Djibrilla, Siddikatou, Dzudié, Anastase, Ménanga, Alain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-01-2023; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Cross-sectional studies; Exercise; Obesity; Original; Private schools; Teenagers; Cardiovascular risk factors; adolescents; school; physical activity
• ISSN: 2048-0040; 2048-0040
• DOI: 10.1177/20480040231210371

Aim
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and physical activity (PA) practice is recommended as the most efficient preventive measure to curse their burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study aimed to compare cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in adolescents in public and private schools in Cameroon and assess the impact of PA practice.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study on students from private and public secondary schools in the city of Douala. Anthropometric parameters, blood glucose, and blood pressure (BP) were collected. PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the influence of PA levels on different CVRFs. The differences were considered significant for p < .05.
Results
We recruited 771 participants, aged 16 ± 1years, 51.4% female, and 48.6% private school students. Prevalence of CVRFs was 38.4%; 11.5%; 5.6%; 5.4%, and 3% for overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, glucose homeostasis abnormalities, and high BP (HBP) respectively. Around 41% of participants had low PA level (LPA). Abdominal obesity and LPA were more common among girls (p < .0001 both) and 1.3% of participants had more than four CVRF. In multivariate analysis, LPA was significantly associated with a higher odd of HBP (OR = 7.69; p < .0001).
Conclusion
The prevalence of various CVRF is high among Cameroonian adolescent schoolers. Public policies should focus on prevention programs through physical exercise and the reduction of smoking.