Perceived Stress and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among a University Workforce in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/Abstract
Background: Stress has been implicated in the aetiology and rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases across diverse populations.
Objectives: To investigate the relationship between perceived stress and the self-reported prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors among teaching and non-teaching staff at a privately owned, faith-based university in southwestern Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 staff members (112 teaching and 163 non-teaching) at the university. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising the Perceived Stress Scale, a self-reported cardiovascular disease risk assessment tool (EZ-CVD), and a demographic information sheet. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed.
Results: Perceived stress was not significantly associated with hypertension (p = 0.239), diabetes (p = 0.911), or cardiovascular risk (p = 0.157). The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 13.1%, 2.2% reported diabetes, and 4.0% had a family history of heart attack. 33.8% of participants experienced low stress, while 63.6% and 2.5% experienced moderate and high perceived stress, respectively. Stress was more prevalent among males than females (13.4% versus 12.8%), among teaching than non-teaching staff (15.2% versus 11.7%), and among those who reside in the town where the university is located than those who reside outside the town (14.1% versus 10.1%).
Conclusion: There is a need for adequate implementation of workplace stress management policy in private universities in Nigeria, as most study participants experienced moderate levels of stress.
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