A multicentric cross-sectional survey to assess cardiovascular risk factors among persons working in informal gold mines in French-Guiana

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. French Guiana has a high prevalence of these diseases, responsible for high morbidity. The persons involved in informal gold mining sites in French Guiana are subject to poor health determinants. Various studies have shown their precariousness and their susceptibility to infectious diseases. However, no studies have ever assessed their cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to describe the cardiovascular risk factors among this specific population and notably factors associated with High Blood Pressure (HBP). A cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter study was carried out at six logistical rear bases of gold mining at the French Guiana-Suriname border. Adults who worked at an illegal gold mining site, were out from the site for less than 7 days, and agreed to participate in the study were included. Participants answered a questionnaire on their lifestyle and past medical history, underwent a medical examination, and physical data were collected. Between October and December 2019, 380 participants were included, with a sex ratio M/F = 2.7. Mean age was 39.9 years. They were mostly Brazilian (95.5%). Cardiovascular risk factors were numerous: 2% [IC: 0.7–3.5] with diabetes, 21% [IC: 15.7–25.9] with blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg, 43% [IC: 35–53] overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2), 48% [IC: 43–53] abdominally obese. Toxic consumption was high: 58% had excessive alcohol consumption and 39% used tobacco. The Ottawa cardiovascular risk score was calculated “high” in 39% of the population. Excluding age, 89% of participants had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Multivariate analysis showed that men were at greater risk of hypertension than women (OR = 1.48 [1.03 – 3.81], p = 0.041); as well as those aged over 39 (OR = 1.68 [1.17 – 3.08], p = 0.039); those who had been mining for more than 10 years ( OR = 1.64 [1.01 – 3.02], p = 0.011), those with abdominal obesity ( OR = 2.24 [1.24 – 4.77], p < 0.01) and those with diabetes (OR = 2.82 [1.62 – 12.8], p = 0.024). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was higher than expected in this rather young population, who migrate for economic reasons and should therefore be in good health. The prevalence of various pathologies is worrying, reinforcing their overall precariousness. It remains essential to strengthen health promotion in this population to tackle these various cardiovascular risk factors. Clinical Trial registration number NCT03695770, registred on February 10, 2018.