Lipid Profile Disparities Among Elderly Individuals in the Western Region of Cameroon.
Objective: This study analyzes lipid profile variations across different localities in the Western Region of Cameroon, focusing on sex and age differences. It assesses the prevalence of hypotriglyceridemia, normal triglyceride levels, hypertriglyceridemia, hypocholesterolemia, normal cholesterol levels, and hypercholesterolemia among individuals aged 50 years and above in Bafang, Bafoussam, Baham, Dschang, and Bandjoun.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among subjects aged 50 years and older. Serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides were measured, and participants were categorized by age and sex. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, were performed to assess lipid profile variations across different localities.
Results: Men exhibited higher rates of hypotriglyceridemia and hypertriglyceridemia, particularly in Bandjoun and Bafang, while women, especially those aged 50-59 years, showed higher rates of hypercholesterolemia, notably in Dschang and Baham. In Dschang, 82.6% of women aged 50-59 years had normal triglyceride levels, compared to only 17.4% of men. Moreover, hypercholesterolemia prevalence increased with age among women.
Conclusion : These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to address lipid-related disorders, particularly in high-risk groups such as younger women prone to hypercholesterolemia and men with hypertriglyceridemia. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying causes of these demographic and regional disparities.
Keywords : Lipid profile, Hypotriglyceridemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Hypocholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Age, Sex.
