BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health problem worldwide. In South Africa, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often underestimated. The prevalence of CVD is very high, especially in urban areas, where two thirds of Africans present with multiple risk factors for CVD. The surge in CVD seems largely caused by modifiable risk factors. Although several studies have been conducted on the high prevalence and burden of CVD, there is limited research investigating possible relationships between CV risk factors and CVD knowledge. In order to address the burden of CVD as a public health issue, it is necessary to determine the level of CVD knowledge to bridge the possible knowledge gap in the control and primary prevention of CVD. It is therefore important to get a clear understanding of the relationship between CV risk factors and knowledge of CVD to contribute to the development and implementation of primary prevention programmes to reduce the prevalence of CVD. The findings from the study may be useful in designing community based health promotion programmes to prevent and control CVD within primary health care settings. A clear and comprehensive understanding of how risk factors contribute to the development of the CVD may enable individuals to identify their risk factors, but also to take action to reduce their risk for developing CVD. AIM This study aimed to determine the relationship between CV risk factors and knowledge of CVD in a group of African men. METHODOLOGY This study is quantitative in nature and followed a descriptive correlational design to describe the relationship between CV risk factors and knowledge of CVD. The study included 118 African men employed at the Vaalharts Water Scheme, North-West Province, South Africa. For the purpose of the study, data was collected by means of questionnaires and individual health screening. Participants completed a general health questionnaire, as well as a Heart Disease Knowledge Questionnaire. Individual health screening included anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference and body mass index), blood pressure (BP), rapid testing of blood glucose and cholesterol. By using Pearson correlations we determined whether CVD knowledge scores relate to individual CV risk factors. RESULTS The mean CV knowledge score was 75%, with an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha of 0.64 (CA=0.64). One third of the group displayed moderate to high CV risk profiles. Participants had a mean BP of 146/92 mmHg, which falls in the hypertensive range of the European guidelines. Their fasting blood glucose levels of 5.8 ± 2.0mmol/L were higher than the normal cut-off of 5.6mmol/L. Their mean body mass index was 25.9 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Overall, we observed a lack of association between CV risk factors and CVD knowledge. Only one borderline significant association existed between triglycerides and CVD knowledge (r=0.167; p=0.071). CONCLUSIONS Despite African men having increased CV risk and a relatively good knowledge of CVD risk factors, there seems to be a disconnect between their CV risk and CVD knowledge. Furthermore, in this group of African men, this knowledge does not appear to translate to changes in their own perceived severity of risk factors. Our results suggest that a good CVD knowledge does not appear to influence changes in CV risk factor levels. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health problem worldwide. In South Africa, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often underestimated. The prevalence of CVD is very high, especially in urban areas, where two thirds of Africans present with multiple risk factors for CVD. The surge in CVD seems largely caused by modifiable risk factors. Although several studies have been conducted on the high prevalence and burden of CVD, there is limited research investigating possible relationships between CV risk factors and CVD knowledge. In order to address the burden of CVD as a public health issue, it is necessary to determine the level of CVD knowledge to bridge the possible knowledge gap in the control and primary prevention of CVD. It is therefore important to get a clear understanding of the relationship between CV risk factors and knowledge of CVD to contribute to the development and implementation of primary prevention programmes to reduce the prevalence of CVD. The findings from the study may be useful in designing community based health promotion programmes to prevent and control CVD within primary health care settings. A clear and comprehensive understanding of how risk factors contribute to the development of the CVD may enable individuals to identify their risk factors, but also to take action to reduce their risk for developing CVD. AIM This study aimed to determine the relationship between CV risk factors and knowledge of CVD in a group of African men. METHODOLOGY This study is quantitative in nature and followed a descriptive correlational design to describe the relationship between CV risk factors and knowledge of CVD. The study included 118 African men employed at the Vaalharts Water Scheme, North-West Province, South Africa. For the purpose of the study, data was collected by means of questionnaires and individual health screening. Participants completed a general health questionnaire, as well as a Heart Disease Knowledge Questionnaire. Individual health screening included anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference and body mass index), blood pressure (BP), rapid testing of blood glucose and cholesterol. By using Pearson correlations we determined whether CVD knowledge scores relate to individual CV risk factors. RESULTS The mean CV knowledge score was 75%, with an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha of 0.64 (CA=0.64). One third of the group displayed moderate to high CV risk profiles. Participants had a mean BP of 146/92 mmHg, which falls in the hypertensive range of the European guidelines. Their fasting blood glucose levels of 5.8 ± 2.0mmol/L were higher than the normal cut-off of 5.6mmol/L. Their mean body mass index was 25.9 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Overall, we observed a lack of association between CV risk factors and CVD knowledge. Only one borderline significant association existed between triglycerides and CVD knowledge (r=0.167; p=0.071). CONCLUSIONS Despite African men having increased CV risk and a relatively good knowledge of CVD risk factors, there seems to be a disconnect between their CV risk and CVD knowledge. Furthermore, in this group of African men, this knowledge does not appear to translate to changes in their own perceived severity of risk factors. Our results suggest that a good CVD knowledge does not appear to influence changes in CV risk factor levels. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Leisure-time physical inactivity is a global public health concern affecting all people in different walks of life, including employees. This inactivity is associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle as well as low work capacity. The purpose of this study was two-fold: to determine leisure-time physical activity (LTPAI), coronary risk- (CRI), health status (HSI) and lifestyle (LSI) indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries; and to determine the effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on the coronary risk-, health status- and lifestyle- indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries.A cross-sectional study design was followed on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) executive employees. Participants were grouped according to age (<35 years; 36–46 years and > 46 years). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. Out of 156 participants in the study, 43% occupied top level management and 57% middle level management positions. When data were analyzed according to age groups, 31% and 69% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management, respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years of age, 47% were in the top level of management and 52.8% middle level management. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA as compared to middle level managers (62.9%). Top level managers scored higher percentages (14.9%) for developing the risk of coronary heart disease. The results show a negative effect of physical activity on selected health parameters, with significant negative relationships between low LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.52; p=0.01), and moderate LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.71; p<0.001) for middle managers. It can be concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA and high risk for developing coronary heart disease. It was apparent that the managers in low LTPA are prone to bad stages of life style, health status and coronary risk- indexes compared to the ones with moderate and high LTPA. Additionally, low and moderate LTPA inversely affected selected health parameters of executive employees. No significant association was found for high LTPA with selected health parameters. The study therefore recommends a strategic intervention programme geared towards improving the present state of affairs among the managers in the corporate environment. / Thesis (MA (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Leisure-time physical inactivity is a global public health concern affecting all people in different walks of life, including employees. This inactivity is associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle as well as low work capacity. The purpose of this study was two-fold: to determine leisure-time physical activity (LTPAI), coronary risk- (CRI), health status (HSI) and lifestyle (LSI) indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries; and to determine the effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on the coronary risk-, health status- and lifestyle- indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries.A cross-sectional study design was followed on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) executive employees. Participants were grouped according to age (<35 years; 36–46 years and > 46 years). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. Out of 156 participants in the study, 43% occupied top level management and 57% middle level management positions. When data were analyzed according to age groups, 31% and 69% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management, respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years of age, 47% were in the top level of management and 52.8% middle level management. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA as compared to middle level managers (62.9%). Top level managers scored higher percentages (14.9%) for developing the risk of coronary heart disease. The results show a negative effect of physical activity on selected health parameters, with significant negative relationships between low LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.52; p=0.01), and moderate LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.71; p<0.001) for middle managers. It can be concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA and high risk for developing coronary heart disease. It was apparent that the managers in low LTPA are prone to bad stages of life style, health status and coronary risk- indexes compared to the ones with moderate and high LTPA. Additionally, low and moderate LTPA inversely affected selected health parameters of executive employees. No significant association was found for high LTPA with selected health parameters. The study therefore recommends a strategic intervention programme geared towards improving the present state of affairs among the managers in the corporate environment. / Thesis (MA (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.