Cardiovascular risk factors among Moroccan healthcare professionals

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are modulated by a complex interaction between genetic, behavioral, and social factors. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), despite their medical knowledge, are often exposed to unique occupational and lifestyle factors, which can significantly increase their risk of CVDs. This study aimed to assess the association between these risk factors and CVD predisposition among a Moroccan cohort of HCPs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 156 HCPs using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, personal and family history of CVDs, fast-food consumption, alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use, physical activity, sleep quality, insomnia, and anxiety. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v20, including correlation, binary and multinomial logistic regressions, chi-square tests, and correspondence analysis.

Results

CVD predisposition was positively correlated with age (rs = 0.194, p = 0.016), comorbidities (rs= 0.326, p = 0.001), drug use (rs= 0.213, p = 0.008), alcohol consumption (rs = 0.168, p = 0.038), and insomnia (rs= 0.206, p = 0.01). In contrast, family history of CVDs and fast-food consumption were negatively associated (rs = -0.191 and p = 0.017, and rs = -0.206 and p = 0.01, respectively). Logistic regression highlighted age, family history, and insomnia as potential predictors. These associations were visually confirmed by correspondence analysis.

Conclusion

Our data highlights the influence of behavioral and occupational factors on CVD risk among HCPs, underlining the role of work-related stress. Hence, targeted prevention strategies are strongly recommended to promote healthier behaviors in this high-risk group.