Profile of plasma lipids and degree of derangements among the elderly of Morogoro region, Tanzania

Changes in lifestyles and ageing have been associated with growing rates of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CRF). Dyslipidemia is one of the CRF associated with numbers of cardiovascular diseases. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the profile and degree of derangements of plasma lipids among 300 (176 females and 124 males) elderly individuals aged ≥60 years in Morogoro, Tanzania. The calorimetric enzymatic methods and the Friedewal’s equation were used for determination of cholesterols and triglycerides (TG). Social and demographic characteristics were gathered by structured questionnaires. The logistic regression models were used to identify the determinants of abnormal serum lipids level. Mean Total Cholesterols (TC) and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterols (LDL-C) in females exceeded significantly that of males. Mean TC, LDL-C as well as TG (mg/dL) declined significantly with age while mean High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterols (HDL-C) also declined but only slightly. Elderly females were two times more likely to have elevated TC (OR=2.11; 95% CI: 1.04-4.28: P=0.05) and LDL-C (OR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.17-3.97: P=0.019) and three times to have lowered HDL-C (OR=3; 95% CI: 1.97-5.30: P<0.001) than males. Urban residents were about two times more likely to have elevated LDL-C (OR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.04-3.25: P=0.047) than their rural counterparts. Body Mass Index of ≥30 kg/m² was also associated with elevated LDL-C (OR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.05- 3.42: P=0.045) and lowered HDL-C (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.3-3.65: P=0.004), respectively. The present study has established the profile and level of derangements of serum lipids among the elderly of Morogoro region in Tanzania. It appears that, female sex and BMI of ≥ 30kg/m² are significant factors for elevated TC, LDL-C and lowered HDL-C while urban life is a significant factor for elevated LDL-C.

Keywords
plasma lipids; dyslipidemia; cardiovascular diseases; elderly; lifestyle; Tanzania