Magnitude of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural and Urban Areas in Benin: Findings from a Nationwide Steps Survey

Data on variations in the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in sub-Saharan populations are limited, particularly with regard to Benin.ObjectiveTo describe and compare the prevalences of CVRF in urban and rural populations of Benin.MethodsSubjects were drawn from participants in the Benin Steps survey, a nationwide cross-sectional study conducted in 2008 using the World Health Organisation (WHO) stepwise approach to surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Subjects aged above 24 and below 65 years were recruited using a five-stage random sampling process within households. Sociodemographic data, behavioral data along with medical history of high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus were collected in Step 1. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured in Step 2. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels were measured in Step 3. CVRF were defined according to WHO criteria. The prevalences of CVRF were assessed and the relationships between each CVRF and the area of residence (urban or rural), were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsOf the 6762 subjects included in the study, 2271 were from urban areas and 4491 were from rural areas. High blood pressure was more prevalent in urban than in rural areas, 29.9% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 27.4, 32.5) and 27.5% (95% CI: 25.6, 29.5) respectively, p = 0.001 (p-value after adjustment for age and gender). Obesity was more prevalent in urban than in rural areas, 16.4% (95% CI: 14.4, 18.4) and 5.9% (95% CI: 5.1, 6.7), pConclusionAccording to our data, CVRF are prevalent among adults in Benin, and variations between rural and urban populations are significant. It may be useful to take account of the heterogeneity in the prevalence of CVRF when planning and implementing preventive interventions.

撒哈拉以南人群心血管危险因素（cardiovascular risk factors, CVRF）发生频率的相关数据较为匮乏，针对贝宁地区的此类研究尤为不足。

**研究目的**：描述并对比贝宁城乡人群的心血管危险因素流行情况。

**研究方法**：本研究数据源自2008年开展的贝宁Steps调查，这是一项采用世界卫生组织（World Health Organisation, WHO）慢性病危险因素分步监测方案实施的全国性横断面研究。研究通过五阶段随机抽样流程，从家庭中招募年龄介于24至65岁之间的受试者。第一阶段收集社会人口学资料、行为学数据以及高血压、糖尿病（diabetes mellitus）病史信息；第二阶段测量人体测量学参数与血压水平；第三阶段检测血糖与胆固醇水平。本研究参照WHO标准定义心血管危险因素，通过多变量logistic回归模型评估心血管危险因素的流行率，并分析各危险因素与居住地区（城镇/乡村）之间的关联。

**研究结果**：本研究共纳入6762名受试者，其中2271名来自城镇地区，4491名来自乡村地区。高血压在城镇人群中的流行率高于乡村人群，分别为29.9%（95%置信区间（confidence interval, CI）：27.4~32.5）和27.5%（95% CI：25.6~29.5），经年龄与性别校正后的p值为0.001。肥胖在城镇人群中的流行率亦高于乡村人群，分别为16.4%（95% CI：14.4~18.4）和5.9%（95% CI：5.1~6.7），p（原文此处统计信息未完整给出）。

**研究结论**：本研究数据显示，贝宁成年人群中心血管危险因素流行率较高，且城乡人群间的差异具有统计学意义。在规划与实施心血管疾病预防干预措施时，应充分考虑心血管危险因素流行率的异质性特征。