Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Gambia: A Systematic Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly becoming a major chronic disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date overview on prevalence of CVD risk factors in the Gambia. The findings from seven included studies revealed that most CVD risk factors are very prevalent in the Gambia, with some specific groups in the population such as urban dwellers being more at risk. Obesity prevalence ranged from 2.3% to 11.7%, with rate being particularly high in urban women aged ≥35 years. Diabetes prevalence was 0.3%. Hypertension prevalence ranged from 18.3% to 29%. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia ranged from 2.2% to 29.1%. Prevalence of smoking ranged from 16% to 42.2% in men. Prevalence of insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption, inadequate physical activity, and alcohol consumption was 77.8%, 14.6%, and 2.3%, respectively. These findings suggest urgent need for preventive measures and further research to prevent CVD in the Gambia.