Role of Lifestyle in the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases Among the Workers Working in the Offices of FMU, Faisalabad

Abstract

Background: The emerging cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are becoming a leading cause of death in the developing countries. In Europe, 45% of total deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) The incidence of coronary heart disease in Pakistan is not well established. While the role of lifestyle risk factors and job-related conditions in the development of such diseases, still needs more clarification. Objective: (1) To determine the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the office workers. (2) To assess the relationships of various risk factors with the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases among office workers. Study Design: It was cross-sectional study. Settings: Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: One year from January 01, 2018 to December 31, 2018. Methods: 30 office workers were approached including males & females. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. For evaluation of habitual physical activity Baecke questionnaire was used. All workers were belonging to Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan. Results: 30 office workers of FMU which comprises both males and females of different age groups ranging from 20 above to 59 years (37.333±12.103) are being studied. A questionnaire to evaluate lifestyle and awareness of cardiovascular diseases and risk factor profile and prevalence was administrated to the participants with 23 males and 7 females. Among all, reported smokers were 19%. Most of the participants (47%) had never performed exercise, overall statistical analysis for physical exercise was 2.95 ± 1.72, df =29, p ˂ 0.000, 95% CI. Job strain intensity was assessed according to Job Strain Index (JSI) Scale. It was reported that 53% workers had hard intensity while overall we found JSI 4.966 ± 1.449, df=29, p ˂ 0.000, 95% CI. Conclusion: The majority of office workers had the same or lower prevalence of risk factors of CVD as the general Pakistani population. Some flexibility regarding their job, proper awareness about CVDs and their risk factors is the need of the day.