Prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors in Peru: the PREVENCION study.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population of Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru.


METHODS
The prevalence and patterns of smoking, alcohol drinking, lack of physical activity, high-fat diet, and low fruit and vegetable intake were evaluated among 1 878 subjects (867 men and 1 011 women) in a population-based study.


RESULTS
The age-standardized prevalence of current smoking, former smoking, and never smoking were 21.6%, 14.3%, and 64.1%, respectively. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher in men than women (31.1% vs. 12.1%; P < 0.01). The prevalence of current alcohol use was 37.7% and significantly higher in men than women (55.5% vs. 19.7%; P < 0.01). Similarly, the prevalence of binge drinking was 21.2%, and the percentage of men who binge drink (36.1%) was significantly higher than for women (6.4%; P < 0.01). The vast majority of alcohol drinkers reported a pattern of alcohol consumption mainly on weekends and holidays rather than regular drinking with meals during the week. The proportion of insufficiently active people was 57.6% and was significantly higher in women than men (63.3% vs. 51.9%; P < 0.01). Overall, 42.0% of adults reported consuming high-fat diets, 34.5% reported low fruit intake, and 33.3% reported low vegetable intake.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors found in this Andean population is of concern. Preventive programs are urgently needed to deal with this growing problem.
Medina-Lezama
Josefina
J
Santa María Catholic University Schools of Medicine and Psychology and Santa María Research Institute, Arequipa, Peru.
Morey-Vargas
Oscar L
OL
Zea-Díaz
Humberto
H
Bolaños-Salazar
Juan F
JF
Corrales-Medina
Fernando
F
Cuba-Bustinza
Carolina
C
Chirinos-Medina
Diana A
DA
Chirinos
Julio A
JA
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010568:Peru; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology