National trends in ideal cardiovascular health among adults in Bhutan from three cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2014, and 2019

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, distribution, and correlates of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) among individuals (20–69 years) across three cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2014 and 2019 in Bhutan. Cross-sectional data were analysed from 9712 individuals (20–69 years, mean age = 37.6 years) who participated in the 2007, 2014 or 2019 Bhutan STEPS surveys, had complete measurement of CVH metrics, and had no history of a cardiovascular disease in 2014 and 2019. Ideal CVH measures included non-smoking, healthy diet, physical activity, body mass index (< 23 kg/m2), blood pressure < 120/ < 80 mmHg, total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL, and fasting blood glucose < 100 mg/dL). The prevalence of five to seven ideal CVH metrics increased from 11.6% in 2007 to 37.9% in 2019. Trend analyses showed that ideal physical activity, ideal total cholesterol, ideal blood pressure, and ideal fasting glucose increased from 2007 to 2019, while ideal fruit and vegetable intake, ideal smoking, and ideal body mass index decreased from 2007 to 2019. Five to seven ideal CVH metrics, 0–7 ideal CVH metrics, and 0–14 poor, intermediate, and ideal CVH metrics increased from 2007 to 2019. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age decreased the odds of having 5–7 ideal CVH metrics in all three study years. Male sex increased the odds, and employment decreased the odds of 5–7 ideal CVH metrics in 2007, and urban residence increased the odds of 5–7 ideal CVH metrics in 2014 and decreased the odds in 2019. The proportion of meeting 5–7 ideal CVH metrics increased in Bhutan. Primary and secondary prevention programmes must be strengthened to improve CVH in Bhutan, considering identified associated factors.