Impact of the Diet Profile and Alcohol Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risks in Dschang Health District-Cameroon

Aims: The study was conducted between March 2015 and June 2017 to determine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risks in adult men from Dschang Health District in Cameroon.

Methodology: After obtaining the ethical clearance, a simplified questionnaire was used for 254 volunteer participants aged from 30 to 60 years, selected in 10 areas of Dschang Health District. Some clinical parameters and fasting blood glucose were measured. The collected data were submitted to EPI-InfoTM version 7.1.5.0. Software. The results were expressed as frequency and mean ±SD at the 5% significance level.

Results: In Dschang Health District There are 38.98% obese, 39.76%, and 28.74% hypertensive patients with systolic hypertension and diastolic hypertension respectively. 87.07% and 40.19% of alcoholism respectively in rural and urban areas. Diabetes has a prevalence of 17.72%, and 74.02% of cases of hypertriglyceridemia are observed. We can conclude that the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors is high and is above the national average. This is a consequence of the high consumption of alcohol and salt beyond the World Health Organization standard (>5g/day), abundant use of unrefined palm oil for cooking but especially a low fruit and vegetable consumption (>400g/day) despite availability in the study area.

Conclusions: This study of two groups of subjects living in two different environments showed that educational level, occupation and even marital status influenced diet profile, alcohol consumption and the occurrence of cardiometabolic diseases in the Dschang Health District. Good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle prevent cardiometabolic disorders. Salt, alcohol and unrefined palm oil are to be consumed in moderation and on the other hand, consuming fruits and vegetables at all ages keep the heart and arteries healthy.