An association between obesity and cardiovascular risk diseases among healthcare workers in SOMDEJPHRAJAOTAKSIN MAHARAJ HOSPITAL
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death and its incidence globally. It is a major public health problem in Thailand which is related to obesity. Obesity occurs when a person carries excess weight and excessive fat accumulation that might affect their health. An annual health checkup will help to find risk groups timely. Therefore, the study of an association between obesity and cardiovascular risk diseases among healthcare workers in SOMDEJPHRAJAOTAKSIN MAHARAJ HOSPITAL who received annual health checkup is useful for CVD risk assessment and can be used as a guide for personnel health promotion.
Objective: To identify the correlation between obesity and cardiovascular risk diseases among healthcare workers in SOMDEJPHRAJAOTAKSIN MAHARAJ HOSPITAL.
Study design: An analytic cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare workers at SOMDEJPHRAJAOTAKSIN MAHARAJ HOSPITAL during annual health examination between October 2017 and September 2018 from 576 healthcare workers aged 35-60 years. Data collected were gender, age, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist, blood pressure, triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose and uric acid. The Body Mass Index is classify into 3 groups: Normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), Overweight (BMI = 23-24.9 kg/m2) and Obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Data were analyzed by using the descriptive statistics, One way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Partial correlation and Multivariable logistic regression.
Results: Personnel with a high body mass index correlated with cardiovascular risk diseases. When compared to normal weight groups and control for confounder of age and gender, obesity groups increased the risk of diabetes by 2.79 times (95% CI 1.17-6.68, p = 0.021), dyslipidemia 2.49 times (95% CI 1.33-4.67, p = 0.005) and gout 2.46 times (95% CI 1.21-5.02, p = 0.013).
Conclusion: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk diseases. The hospital should develop a comprehensive plan to prevent such risk factors in personnel.
Key words: Obesity, Body Mass Index, cardiovascular risk diseases, healthcare workers
