Differentials in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Female and Male Population in Uganda

Abel Nzabona, Centre For Basic Research, Kampala
Ronald Wesonga, Uganda

Incidences of cardiovascular disease are on the rise in Uganda. Although there is previous effort to study the disease, prior national inquiries have spatial and temporal limitations. Our study takes a broader national focus and utilises recent national evidence. Analysis uses data generated by WHO-led Uganda NCDs survey conducted in 2023. A stratified random sample of 3719 persons aged 18-69 is used. The outcome variable, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), is constructed by combining three variables: (1) had headache or chest pain, (2) currently taking Aspirin and (3) taking Statin regularly. The resultant outcome variable is dichotomised and an ordered logistic regression model is fitted to analyse the predictors. Preliminary findings indicate that the odds of having CVD are higher among females than males. Age is a significant factor for females but not for males. Years of schooling is significant for both gender; with longer years reducing the odds of CVD among males. Employment is significant for females but not for males; self-employed females being more likely to have CVD. Anxiety is significant across all categories of gender. The findings have implications including strengthening psycho-social support and improving employment conditions particularly for the female population.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population Ageing, Gender Dynamics, Mortality and Longevity

See extended abstract.