Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Congo-Brazzaville Pygmies

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of overall cardiovascular risk among the pygmies of Congo Brazzaville. Methods: Cross-analysis of anthropometric data, clinical and laboratory 273 indigenous subjects including 54 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 183 without CVD, aged 29 to 69 years. The cardiovascular risk stratification table WHO/ISH 2003 was used to assess overall cardiovascular risk level. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the independent determinants of cardiovascular risk using the global left ventricular hypertrophy as a marker. Results: Fifty-four subjects had cardiovascular disease (CVD), including 31 women (36.7%). They were aged 51.9 ± 12.4 years (p < 0.05) and showed a high blood pressure in short-long (100 ± 77 vs 32 ± 48 months;p < 0.001). It was also found a pulse pressure, PPO (58 ± 8 vs 51 ± 4 mmHg). In multivariate analysis, HDL-C levels, fasting glucose, age greater than 50 years and the higher parity or equalizes to 5 among women have emerged as key determinants of CVD risk. Conclusion: Whatever the stage, arterial hypertension in this study is associated at the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) high at the Pygmies of Congo, emphasizing the need for a more aggressive follow-up strategy.

Dietary and Biochemical Profile of Congolese Athletes in Endurance Races during International Competition

Biochemical parameters are useful in the diagnosis of many health abnormalities in athletes. Some studies suggest training well and eating a balanced diet to improve performance. The modification of biochemical parameters during endurance races has not yet been studied in many African countries. Our objective was to evaluate the dietary profile and the effects of competition on the biochemical parameters of Congolese endurance athletes. The method used was the questionnaire for the food profile and blood samples were taken to measure the biochemical parameters of the athletes. A total of 64 athletes, i.e. 20 girls and 44 boys divided into two groups (group 1 or experimental group (EG), 32 endurance athletes and group 2 or control group (CG), 32 walkers who participated in a cross-sectional study in Brazzaville. The subjects were respectively 26.16 ± 2.79 years old for the EG and 27.44 ± 3.34 years old for the CG. The results indicated that quality foods were difficult to access. The main course was more consumed compared to the starter and dessert (60% of girls and 63.63 of boys). However, biochemical parameters showed a significantly lower serum creatinine concentration in EG subjects compared to CG subjects (0.86 ± 0.06 mg/dl vs 1.04 ± 0.16 mg/dl;t = ?5.95;p 0.05). Similarly, Total Cholesterol was significantly low (1.66 ± 0.34 g/l vs 2.09 ± 0.50 g/l;t = ?3.99;p < 0.000). Cholesterol concentrations of EG subjects (HDL-C) were significantly elevated (0.98 ± 0.49 g/l vs 0.48 ± 0.18 g/l;t = 5.34;p < 0.000). In conclusion, the biochemical data were normal but the food profile of the runners was unfavorable, inadequate and unbalanced. This is considered to be a performance limiting factor.

Prevalence, Factors Associated with Obesity and Overweight among Students in Brazzaville in 2020

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing dramatically around the world and it is reasonable to assume that young people attending school in Brazzaville are not spared. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, as well as the factors associated with obesity and overweight among students in Brazzaville. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted as a questionnaire survey with 2052 pupils (869 boys and 1183 girls, aged 14 to 18). Obesity and overweight were determined from the body mass index and reference curves of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), the associated factors, by performing the logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of overweight in private and public institutions was 15.6% versus 5.5% (p < 0.001) and obesity prevalence was 4.0% versus 1.5% (p < 0.001), respectively. The main factors associated with obesity and overweight were: parents’ monthly income (OR = 1.73), car as a means of transportation (OR = 2.75) and family history of obesity (OR = 7.73). On the other hand, attending a public school, walking and high levels of physical activity had a protective effect against obesity in this population. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity was higher in private institutions and required management and prevention strategies.