Efficacy of lifestyle interventions in preventing cardiovascular disease in Nigeria: A review

Chinyelu Maureen Uzoma *

Department of Public Health, University of Suffolk, England, United Kingdom.
 
Review
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(02), 1004–1010.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.2.2185
Publication history: 
Received on 03 October 2024; revised on 10 November 2024; accepted on 13 November 2024
 
Abstract: 
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a critical public health issue worldwide, with Nigeria experiencing a marked increase in prevalence due to rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and socioeconomic factors. Lack of sufficient exercise and increased consumption of fatty foods, salty, and processed foods are causal factors of the risk factors associated with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity. Consequently, this review assesses the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention in dietary modifications, exercising, smoking cessation, and stress reduction on these factors among the Nigerian populace. Clinical studies support that communicating specific dietary measures together with the DASH modified for Nigerian foods and moderate aerobic exercise duration decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels by dropping 12-15mm Hg and LDL cholesterol by 20mg/dL-Anticipated empirical analysis results show the significance of smoking cessation and stress management on CVD intervention. For instance, nicotine replacement therapy accompanied by behavioural counselling produced a 30% abstinence rate among the participants, and MBSR stress reduction programmes reduced the participants' blood pressure by 10 %. It also reflects the fact that cultural orientation to preventive measures needs to be culturally appropriate for the Nigerian setting, given that socioeconomic factors perpetuate risks. The findings of statistical studies in this review are presented regarding the changes in CVD indicators, which are valuable for forming subsequent public health policies. Because the burden of CVD is increasing in Nigeria and most low and middle-income countries, the use of lifestyle approaches to address risk factors is a good strategy. However, success is determined by countering systemic barriers such as poorly preventing or treating diseases and having a favourable perception of traditional diets. Within these developments, this article seeks to advance the implementation of these efficacious interventions into the Nigerian context, but with ideas for improving its accessibility, cost and receptiveness to accept these innovative practises in the country's health care system.
 
Keywords: 
Cardiovascular diseases; Lifestyle interventions; Prevention; Nigeria; Public health; Hypertension; Physical activity; Dietary interventions; Smoking cessation
 
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