Prevalence and determinants of selected modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among male prisoners of Karachi.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to determine the prevalence of selected modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among male prisoners in Karachi.

Design/methodology/approach: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 400 male prisoners aged between 30 and 60 years at Central Jail Karachi in December 2024. Information on risk factors of CVDs was obtained using a modified World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was performed to identify determinants of CVD risk factors, including smoking status, disturbed sleep and raised blood pressure, overweight and obesity.

Findings: Almost all participants had no moderate to vigorous physical activity (97.5%), no fruit intake (93.0%) and vegetable intake of less than three times per week (91.0%). Around one-third had raised blood pressure (38.5%), were current smokers (35.5%) and were overweight or obese (32.8%). Older age showed positive association with raised blood pressure. Education was positively associated with smoking and being overweight/obese. With reference to prisoners who had spent one to five years in jail, those who had spent six years or more were significantly less likely to have disturbed sleep.

Research limitations/implications: The study reveals a high prevalence of risk factors of CVDs among prisoners, making them highly vulnerable to encounter cardiovascular events. The findings emphasize the urgent need for prison reforms, including improving access to healthy food choices, reducing access to tobacco products and engaging prisoners in physical activity, offering intermittent screening and provision of treatment support when required.

Practical implications: The findings emphasize the critical need to introduce reforms in jails which include improving access to healthy food choices, reducing access to tobacco products, engaging prisoners in physical activity, offering intermittent screening and provision of treatment support if required.

Social implications: The findings will help to improve healthy lifestyles in prisons in a developing country setting.

Originality/value: The study presents the prevalence of modifiable risk factors in the biggest prison of Karachi which addresses an important public health gap focusing on the underprivileged and overlooked population of society. Use of a validated tool enhances reliability and validity to the findings of the research.