The Prevalence, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases in Twelve African Countries (2014-2019): An Analysis of the World Health Organisation STEPwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance
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Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for more than 75% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted this study to understand the prevalence of history of CVDs, their prevention and treatment in twelve African countries using the WHO NCDs STEPwise survey (STEPS) data.
Methods
We used secondary STEPS data from 12 African countries between 2014 and 2019. A history of heart attack, angina (chest discomfort caused by heart disease), or stroke (cerebrovascular accident or incident) was considered CVD. We fitted logistic regression models to select the predictor variables from a regression model for CVD diagnosis, CVD prevention and CVD treatment binary endpoints.
Results
Amongst 60,294 individuals, the prevalence of CVD was 5%. The CVD prevalence was higher in older individuals, females, individuals with hypertension, smokers, people with high salt intake, and in certain countries. Of the 23,630 individuals at high risk of CVD but without a history of the disease, 11% received prophylactic treatment. Amongst the 2,895 persons with CVDs, 22% received treatment or counselling for CVD: 34% receiving aspirin, 32% counselling for CVD risk factors, 11% statins, and 24% both statins and aspirin. The uptake of CVD treatment varied by hypertension status, sex, age and country.
Conclusion
The prevalence of CVD was relatively low and CVD treatment uptake was sub-optimal. Concerted efforts must be made to accelerate the diagnosis and expand treatment for CVDs in Africa if to curtail untimely deaths attributable to CVDs.
