The Relationship Between Diet and Cholesterol Levels Among Farmers in Ulubelu District, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province

Abstract : Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in farming populations is a health concern that can reduce productivity in the agricultural sector. Some of the factors that determine the risk of developing CVD are diet and cholesterol levels. This study aimed to identify early CVD risk in coffee farmers in Ulubelu district, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province by analysing the relationship between diet and cholesterol levels. This study used a cross-sectional design with quantitative analysis and was conducted in February-March 2025 with a total sample of 92 people obtained by purposive sampling technique. Dietary data were collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and cholesterol levels were measured using the Easy Touch GCU Meter device. Data were analysed using chi-square test on IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software. The results showed that 53.3% of the farmers were <50 years old, 37% had grade 1 hypertension, the majority had a normal BMI (82.6%), were active smokers (71.7%) and had a high level of physical activity (88%). Assessment of diet and cholesterol levels revealed 49 individuals (53.3 %) with poor diet and 49 individuals (53.3 %) with high cholesterol. The Chi-square test showed that there was no relationship between diet and cholesterol levels (p-value 1.000 OR = 0.983 95% CI 0.433 – 2.234).