Prevalence of Dyslipidemia among Young Adults in KPK: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among young adults aged 18-40 years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, identify lipid profile patterns, and assess the association between occupation and dyslipidaemia. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January 2024 to October 2024. Four hundred patients (200 males and 200 females) were included. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used for analysis of lipid profiles and blood pressure measurements, and the association between occupation and dyslipidaemia was evaluated using a chi-square test. Dyslipidaemia was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP ATP III) guidelines. Results: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was 46% (n=184). Dyslipidemic individuals had significantly higher total cholesterol (223.02 ± 36.95 mg/dL vs. 173.79 ± 16.30 mg/dL, p<0.0001) and LDL cholesterol levels (152.39 ± 29.39 mg/dL vs. 110.15 ± 12.34 mg/dL, p<0.0001). No significant differences were observed in triglycerides (p=0.6452) or BMI (p=0.1224), though the lack of significance in these variables should be interpreted with caution, as they are typically associated with dyslipidaemia. Hypertension (22.0% vs. 10.0%) and diabetes (14.0% vs. 8.0%) were more common in dyslipidemic individuals, and further investigation into the odds ratios of these conditions would improve scientific rigor. Conclusion: Dyslipidaemia is highly prevalent among young adults in KPK, necessitating early screening and preventive interventions. Public health policies should focus on lifestyle modifications and risk factor management to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks. Occupation did not show a significant association with dyslipidaemia in this study.