Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease-Associated Risk Factors and Knowledge of Control Measures Among Adult Traders in Selected Markets in Imo State, Nigeria

A bstract Background: Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are attributable to identifiable risk factors. However, millions of people remain undiagnosed and unmanaged, with varying levels of public knowledge of control measures. Objective: To explore the prevalence of selected CVD risk factors and the knowledge of control measures among adult traders. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional reserach design was adopted, and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 120 adult traders from selected markets. Cardiovascular and anthropometric data were obtained. A self-structured, validated questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, and chi-square and Spearman’s rank correlation test were used where appropriate. Results: A high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity, with values of 33.3%, 33.3%, and 4.2%, respectively, was observed. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with age ( P = 0.003), marital status ( P = 0.000), systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.000), and body mass index ( P = 0.000) of the respondents. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly associated with age ( P = 0.000), marital status ( P = 0.000), and fasting blood sugar level (FBSL) ( P = 0.022) of the respondents, while obesity was associated with FBSL ( P = 0.005). There was good knowledge of control measures for CVD-associated risk factors across all items. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CVD disease risk factors among adult traders in selected markets in Orlu LGA of Imo State, Nigeria, despite having adequate knowledge of their control measures.