Diet and lifestyle habits: Association with cardiovascular disease indices in a Nigerian sub-population

Background: There is inadequate evidence regarding the pattern of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in Nigeria hence the aim of this study was to assess the pattern of lifestyle-related habits that predispose to risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) indices in a Nigerian population. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 apparently healthy males and females ≥18 years old. The World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise questionnaire was used to collect information on tobacco use or smoking habits, alcohol consumption and dietary habits. Logistic regression analysis was employed. Results: 22.8% and 30.2% of participants indicated that someone smoked in their home and/or in closed areas at workplace, respectively, in the past 30 days. 225/422 admitted to taking alcohol including 72% within the past 12 months. 52.8% of the participants consumed <5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables each day. Results further showed that participants with <5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables (OR: 1.06, CI: 1.01–1.13, p = 0.028) and high level of alcohol consumption (OR: 1.85, CI: 1.18–2.88, p = 0.007) were more likely to have hypertension. Conclusions: The relatively high prevalence of alcohol consumption and apparent unhealthy diet are of huge concern given the increasing prevalence of CVD indices in the population.