Prevalence and Risk Factors of Peripheral Artery Disease in a Group of Apparently Healthy Young Cameroonians: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not well known among apparently healthy people in Africa. Aim: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of PAD in a group of blood donors seen at the Douala General Hospital—Cameroon. Methods: Between 1st November 2015 and 30th April 2016, we carried out a cross-sectional study. Participants were consenting adults of both sexes, aged ≥ 21 years who presented for blood donation, and were tested HIV negative. We collected socio-demographic data and their past history. We carried out a physical examination and measured their Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). We defined PAD as an ABI < 0.9. We also measured their fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. Results: We recruited 103 participants, 55.4% males. The mean age was 33 ± 10 years. The mean ABI on left and right leg was 1.04 ± 0.1 and 1.02 ± 0.1respectively. ABI was higher in males than females both legs (p < 0.05). PAD was seen in 11 (10.7%) participants. This was higher in females than males (3.6% versus 19.2%, p = 0.026). Among those with PAD, 8 (72.7%) were asymptomatic (Males: 100% versus Females: 66%, p = 0.9). After adjusting for age and gender, sedentary lifestyle (aOR: 7.14, [95% CI: 1.38 - 33.3], p = 0.019), and female gender (aOR: 6.2, [95% CI: 1.26 - 30.5], p = 0.025) were significantly associated with PAD. Conclusion: The prevalence of PAD was high in this group of HIV negative blood donors, most of whom were asymptomatic. This was associated with females, and a sedentary lifestyle.