Dietary patterns, physical activity and cardiovascular disease biomarkers among female workers of reproductive age at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital
Authors:   Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Kirwa1 Dr Philip , Makungu Obimbo2 Matilda ,   2Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Sitienei3 Monica ,   3Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Kiprotich4 Dr. Bett Godfrey ,   4Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Collins5 Dr. Barwareng ,   5Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Yator6 Angela ,   6Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Rotich7 Isaac ,   7Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Kemei8 Simion ,   8Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,, Kipturgor9 Ben ,   9Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3-301100, Eldoret, Kenya,
Published: January 2025

Healthy dietary patterns and physical activity reduces the risk to cardiovascular disease among women of
reproductive age. This study aimed at establishing the dietary patterns, physical activity and cardiovascular
disease biomarkers among female workers of reproductive age.The study adopted analytical cross-sectional
design. A researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic
characteristics, saturated fat intake, nutrient intake, drivers of food choice and physical activity level among
150 female workers of reproductive age at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital. Body composition and blood
pressure levels were established. Lipid profile & blood glucose levels were established among 52
participants. Majority of the participants (83.3%) were skilled manual employees, accessed food from
supermarket & fast food outlets (58%) and were middle class earners (52%). Participants consumed more
transitional diets than traditional diets. Selected food types for saturated fat intake were; red meat high fat
cuts (64.6%), sausage (53.4%), pizza (84.7%), vegetable oil (83.6%), chips (56.7%), spreads (46%), eggs
(64.7%), deep fried chicken (45.4%), cookies (43.3%). The mean intakes of all selected nutrients were above
the recommended dietary reference value except for potassium (2958.8±1438.5) and magnesium
(366.9±210.9) were inadequate. The mean energy intake (2444.5±820.0) was above recommended dietary
reference value of 2000 Kilocalories. Drivers of food choice were sensory appeal (86%), convenience
(71.3%). Majority of the participants were physically inactive (74.7%) and had elevated LDL-C (92%),
Triglyceride (85%), waist circumference (94%), low HDL-C (92%). Half of the participants had elevated
Total cholesterol (54%), fasting blood glucose (50%), obesity (48%), body fat percentage (48%), SBP
(32.2%), DBP (36%). Chi square test on dietary patterns showed that transitional diets were significantly
associated with biomarkers for elevated total cholesterol (p=0.004), triglyceride (p=0.013), DBP (P=0.002),
body fat percentage (P=0.005), visceral fat (p≤0.001), insulin resistance (p=0.019). Elevated waist
circumference was significantly associated with total cholesterol (p≤0.001), fasting blood glucose (p≤0.001),
total cholesterol: HDL-C (p≤0.001). Sedentary behavior was significantly associated with elevated waist
circumference (p=0.048).Socioeconomic characteristics (occupation) (skilled manual) was significantly
associated with elevated fasting blood glucose (p≤ 0.001). Workplace wellness programs entailing;
education on Cardiometabolic health, promotion of healthy diets & physical activity may improve staff
well-being.
Keywords: Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, Women of
Reproductive Age.