Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experiencing an increasing burden of these diseases. The prevalence of CVD has reached epidemic levels in the region, contributing to significant mortality and morbidity, particularly among the workforce. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) across different regions, countries, and work sectors in SSA, and to identify the work sector with the highest concentration of these risk factors.
The study highlights the alarming rates of CVRF in the corporate workforce across SSA, emphasizing that unhealthy lifestyle choices and changing work environments are contributing factors. The rapid demographic transition in SSA, with an increasing number of older adults, combined with high rates of physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and stress, has made the region more vulnerable to CVD. This shift is compounded by the growing preference for corporate jobs, which are often associated with sedentary lifestyles, high job demands, and poor work-life balance, all of which increase the risk of CVD.
The systematic review analyzed data from 105 studies involving over 76,000 participants across nine SSA countries. The findings revealed significant regional variations in the prevalence of CVRF. East Africa had the highest prevalence of unhealthy diets, Central Africa had the highest rates of physical inactivity, West Africa had the highest prevalence of high body mass index (BMI), and Southern Africa had the highest rates of metabolic syndrome. Countries such as Ethiopia and South Africa were identified as having particularly high prevalence rates for unhealthy diets and metabolic syndrome, respectively, while Nigeria had the highest rates of stress and poor sleep.
The study also examined the prevalence of CVRF across various work sectors. The healthcare sector emerged as the most affected, with the highest prevalence of unhealthy diets, central obesity, and high cholesterol. The education sector showed the highest rates of physical inactivity, while the administration sector had the highest rates of tobacco use and dysglycemia. Workers in the finance sector had the highest prevalence of stress. These findings underscore the importance of sector-specific interventions to address the varying risk factors in different work environments.
The review also points to the need for comprehensive strategies to address CVD prevention in SSA. With the corporate workforce being a key driver of the region’s economy, the high burden of CVD among workers could have detrimental effects on productivity and economic growth. The study advocates for the implementation of workplace wellness programs and public health initiatives tailored to the unique needs of different work sectors. Moreover, addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and stress management is crucial in reducing the burden of CVD in SSA.
In conclusion, this systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the regional and sectorial distribution of CVRF among the corporate workforce in SSA. It highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the growing CVD epidemic, which poses significant social and economic challenges for the region. The findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing primary preventive measures in both public health policy and workplace health programs to mitigate the rising burden of CVD in SSA.
