Cardiovascular risk factors among Cameroonian adolescents: Comparison between public and private schools and association with physical activity practice-a cross-sectional study.
Felicite Kamdem, Elysée Claude Bika Léle, Jerson Mekoulou Ndongo, Hamadou Ba, Marie Ange Prisca Obe Meyong, Jaff Fenkeu Kweban, Oumarou Moussa, Glwadys Ngono Atéba, Sidick Mouliom, Lade Viché, Henri Ngoté, Caroline Kenmegne, Marie Solange Ndom Ebongue, Siddikatou Djibrilla, Anastase Dzudié, Alain Ménanga
Author Information
Felicite Kamdem: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Elysée Claude Bika Léle: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon. ORCID
Jerson Mekoulou Ndongo: Physiology and Medicine of Physical Activities and Sports Unit, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon. ORCID
Hamadou Ba: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Marie Ange Prisca Obe Meyong: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Jaff Fenkeu Kweban: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Oumarou Moussa: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Glwadys Ngono Atéba: Medical and Surgical Resuscitation Service, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Sidick Mouliom: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Lade Viché: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Henri Ngoté: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Caroline Kenmegne: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Marie Solange Ndom Ebongue: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Siddikatou Djibrilla: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
Anastase Dzudié: Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
Alain Ménanga: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Aim: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and physical activity (PA) practice is recommended as the most efficient preventive measure to curse their burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study aimed to compare cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in adolescents in public and private schools in Cameroon and assess the impact of PA practice. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on students from private and public secondary schools in the city of Douala. Anthropometric parameters, blood glucose, and blood pressure (BP) were collected. PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the influence of PA levels on different CVRFs. The differences were considered significant for < .05. Results: We recruited 771 participants, aged 16 ± 1years, 51.4% female, and 48.6% private school students. Prevalence of CVRFs was 38.4%; 11.5%; 5.6%; 5.4%, and 3% for overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, glucose homeostasis abnormalities, and high BP (HBP) respectively. Around 41% of participants had low PA level (LPA). Abdominal obesity and LPA were more common among girls ( < .0001 both) and 1.3% of participants had more than four CVRF. In multivariate analysis, LPA was significantly associated with a higher odd of HBP ( = 7.69; < .0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of various CVRF is high among Cameroonian adolescent schoolers. Public policies should focus on prevention programs through physical exercise and the reduction of smoking.
