Dyslipidaemia among Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots in Ghana: the RODAM Study. (13th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van der Linden, E L; Agyemang, C
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 29(2019)Supplement 4
• Publication Date: 2019-11-13
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations are believed to have a favourable lipid profile compared to European populations. However, geographical differences in the lipid profile of a homogenous SSA population residing in different geographical locations have not yet been assessed. Methods: We used data from the multicentre, cross-sectional RODAM study including Ghanaian adults residing in rural and urban Ghana and in London, Amsterdam and Berlin (n = 5482). Dyslipidaemias were defined based on the 2012 European Guideline on Cardiovascular Prevention. The age-adjusted prevalence of dyslipidaemias was compared between the sites using prevalence ratios (PRs) adjusted for lifestyle and dietary covariates in different models. Results: The age-standardised prevalence rate of high total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) was lower in rural than in urban Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in Europe. Adjusted PRs of high TC and LDL-C were higher in urban Ghana (TC PR = 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.69-2.73) and Ghanaian migrant men (TC PR = 2.03 (1.56-2.63)) compared to rural Ghana, but there was no difference between rural and Ghanaian migrant women (TC PR = 1.01 (0.84-1.22)). High triglyceride levels were as prevalent in rural Ghana (11.6%) as in urban Ghana (12.8%), but were less prevalent in Ghanaian migrant women (2.0%). In both sexes, low HDL-cholesterol was most prevalent in rural Ghana (50.1%) and least prevalent in Europe (12.9%). Conclusions: The lipid profile of Ghanaians varied by geographical location, and differential gradients of the individual dyslipidaemias could be observed between the locations. Additional research is needed to identify factors driving these differential risks in order to assist prevention efforts. Key messages: The lipid profile of Ghanaians in urban Ghana and Europe is less favourable compared to the lipid profile of rural Ghanaian residents. Substantial differences in lipid profiles could be observed between the geographical locations.