Cardio-vascular risk factors Senegalese military personnel: a looming threat

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) are a public health issue. The epidemiological transition coexists with infectious diseases and international guidelines recommend that resources-limited countries make population surveys on CNCDs. In absence of national data this study aimed to assess CNCDs risk factors in the senegalese armed forces personnel. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among active military people aged 25 to 60 years. Participation was voluntary. A two stages stratified sampling method was used. The adjusted sample was 1513 individuals. All data were analyzed using R software. A five factors risk score was determined. We included 1125 participants in the study with a mean age of 39.7±9.1 years and sex ratio of 28.6. The prevalence of current smoking was 17.3 %.  Mean intake of fruits and vegetables was about 4. About 72% of participants had a moderate or intense activity at least three times a week. The prevalences of overweight and hypertension were 30.5% and 28.4% respectively. More than one third presented a high cardiovascular risk (at least three risk factors). The high prevalence of CNCDs risk factors, can predict a real threat in general population. A program for CNCDs prevention and screening is needed.