Lifestyle Factors and Selected Parameters for Cardiometabolic Health: A Predictive Study among Malaysian University Staff
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and their associated factors (personal, behavioral, and environmental) among Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) staff.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study using quota sampling was adopted, involving 317 respondents. The Working Characteristics, the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Dietary Practices in Malay were self-administered, while the health status examination was assessed by medical staff. Descriptive analysis and Multiple Linear Regression were employed.
Results: In the predominantly Malay sample (97.5%), the prevalence of overweight or obesity, raised blood glucose, blood pressure, and total cholesterol among UMT staff was 62.4%, 7.3%, 21.1%, and 70% respectively. The hour of computer usage (environmental factor) was a significantly associated factor for diastolic blood pressure (p-value=0.042, β=0.622, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.023, 1.221).
Conclusion: High rates of obesity and cardiometabolic risks were found among UMT staff, and computer usage hours were significantly linked to diastolic blood pressure. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing personal, behavioral, and environmental factors, since these findings may extend to similar sedentary working populations.
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