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Abstract
Introduction
Morocco, a north African country undergoing a significant nutritional transition, with a clear shift from traditional dietary patterns towards those of the Western model. This transition has a profound impact on the health of its population, most notably in the rise of chronic illnesses and mainly cardiovascular diseases. The following cross-sectional study examines risk factors associated with these nutritional and lifestyle changes and their effects on cardiovascular risk among adults residing in Settat, central Morocco.
Subjects and Methods
The study was conducted between January 20th and April 25th, 2023, involving 981 participants aged 20 and above who attended health centers in Settat. Risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire encompassing sociodemographic, health, clinical, dietary, and lifestyle data. To estimate cardiovascular risk, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey “NHANES” risk score was employed.
Results
Abdominal obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia stood out as the most prevalent risk factors, with percentages of 44.3%, 69.7%, 17.6%, 15%, and 26.5%, respectively. As per the “NHANES” risk score, 22.8% were projected to face a cardiovascular risk exceeding 20% within the following five years. This risk was notably linked to the population’s sedentary lifestyle and the dietary habits oscillating between the traditional Moroccan pattern and the Western one, marking the nutritional transition.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors underlines the substantial impact of lifestyle changes and nutritional transitions on cardiovascular risk. Consequently, this situation calls for immediate action to devise and deploy strategies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Raising awareness about the critical importance of maintaining such a lifestyle is imperative to mitigate the risks and prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
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© 2023 Talha et al. This work is published by Dove Medical Press Limited, and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed.
Abbreviations
RF, Risk factor; CVRF, Cardiovascular risk factor; CVD, Cardiovascular diseases; NCD, Non-communicable disease; NSPFH, National Survey on Population and Family Health; HC, Hip circumference; WC, Waist circumference; BMI, Body Mass Index; BP, Blood Pression; SE, Standard Ecartype. P.A; Physical activity; HTN, Hypertension; Hypergly, Hyperglycemia; Hyperchol, Hypercholesterolemia.
Data Sharing Statement
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hassan First University and done in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank all the people who participated in this research.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest in this work.