Cardiometabolic risk, nutritional status and food consumption of users of a Family Health Unit

Abstract

Introduction: It is paramount to identify factors associated with cardiometabolic risk, which significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular problems, especially in people with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs). Thus, the objective was to verify the profile of a Family Health Unit (FHU) users who reported some CNCD and its relationship with cardiovascular risk. Methods: The study was conducted among users of the FHU in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2022. The eligibility criteria were: age equal to or greater than 18 years, being overweight, having systemic arterial hypertension, and/or or diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2). Pregnant women were excluded. The usual level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in the long form. Measurements were taken of body mass (kg), height (m), waist circumference (cm), and hip circumference (cm) for later calculation of body mass index (kg/m²) and waist-ratio-hip (cm). The conicity index (CI) was used to assess the cardiometabolic risk. Food consumption was measured using a food frequency screener validated for the Brazilian population. To carry out the graphical representation of the results, the multiple correspondence analysis (HOMALS) was performed. Analyzes were performed using the JAMOVI software (v. 2.3). Results: The sample comprised 51 middle-aged adults, predominantly female. Nutritional status ranged from eutrophic to grade III obesity, and 78% of subjects were classified as having very high cardiometabolic risk. Through the graphical representation Multiple Correspondence Analysis, the relationships between the variables of food consumption, nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk were observed, in which eutrophy and the consumption of healthy markers, such as fruits, beans and salad, from 3 to 4 times a week were close to moderate cardiometabolic risk; while the nutritional status obesity and consumption of sugary drinks, but also fruit; salads; beans and vegetables, were close to the very high cardiometabolic risk. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is possible to develop effective strategies for the promotion of healthy habits and the prevention of CNCDs, serving as a basis for the elaboration of public policies and promotion and prevention programs that encourage healthy eating habits and the regular practice of physical activities, in addition to promoting leptogenic environments. These actions can contribute to the reduction of risk factors associated with NCDs.