6. Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Malays and Aborigines in Perak, Malaysia; An Alarming Situation
Waseem Ahmad1, Sandheep Sugathan2, Sabaridah Ismail2, Myint Myint Soe2 and
Osman Ali2
ABSTRACT
Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In our study, we determined the prevalence and clustering of CVD risk factors in adult, non-diabetic, rural Malays and Orang Aslis in Perak, Malaysia.
Study Design: Community based cross sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Perak state, Malaysia from March 2013 to December 2013.
Materials and Methods: Study included Orang Aslis and Malays in rural communities in Perak including males and females ≥18 years of age. Two districts selected randomly from Perak. One Orang Asli and one Malay village were taken from each district. Data was collected from maximum number of people during multiple visits. Sick, debilitated, known diabetics, unwilling to participate or unable to communicate were excluded. We collected data about lipid profile and anthropometric values, adapting standard protocol.
Results: Total 274 participants, 93 males and 181 females. Overall; overweight/obese 47.8%, abdominal obesity 22.4%, hypertension 24.8%, hypercholesterolemia 44.7%, high LDL 42.3%, low HDL 51.3%, high triglycerides 30.0%, smokers 22.8%. Likelihood of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and raised LDL was significantly higher in ≥45 years age. General and central obesity was significantly more likely in Malays. Majority had multiple risk factors.
Conclusion: There was high prevalence and clustering of CVD risk factors in our study population. This may indicate epidemiological transition to modern life style in these rural communities.
Key Words: Cardiovascular disease, Malaysia, Malays, Orang Asli
Citation of articles: Ahmad W, Sugathan S, Ismail S, Soe MM, Ali O. Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Malays and Aborigines in Perak, Malaysia; An Alarming Situation. Med Forum 2018;29(12):24-28.