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Anthropometric Indices Associated With Elevated Estimated 10‐year Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Aim: Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. This study aimed to determine the association between anthropometric indices and elevated estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among adults in the Kumasi Metropolis. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 480 adults aged 40-79 years. Anthropometric indices and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Blood pressure was measured using an automated sphygmomanometer. The World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension laboratory-based risk assessment charts were used to estimate 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk. Estimated CVD risk ≥ 10% was considered elevated. Anthropometric indices were examined for association with elevated risk using chi-square, Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with elevated estimated CVD risk. Results: An elevated estimated10-year ASCVD risk was observed in 56.9% (103/181) of males and 38.8% (116/299) of females. Lower education level was associated with elevated CVD risk. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11-1.68), body shape index (ABSI) (aPR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.69), hip circumference (HC) (aPR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99), and mid-arm circumference (MAC) (aPR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) were associated with elevated estimated CVD risk. After stratifying by sex, WHR remained independently associated with elevated estimated CVD risk in females (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01-1.84); as did ABSI (aPR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.05-2.01) and MAC (aPR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99) in males. Conclusion: WHR, ABSI and MAC assessments should be integrated into CVD risk evaluation in Ghana, especially in deprived areas where lipid profile is not routinely assessed.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.72849