Dietary Practices of the Working Group of Persons as Compared to the Non-Working Persons in Relation to the Prevalence of Hypercholesterolemia at the West Demerara Regional Hospital

Objective: To investigate whether the working or the non-working group of individuals have higher blood cholesterol as a result of an unhealthy dietary lifestyle. Design and Methods: In 1000 adults (240 males and 760 females) aged 18-75 years were randomly selected for this study, and all subjects would have visited the WDRH. The total cholesterol levels were measured using a ChemWell chemistry analyzer and the eating habits were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Results: The results indicated that 64% of the working as compared to 69% non-working respondents was hypercholesterolemic. The non-working respondents (26%) snacked more for 5 times or more a week and consumed higher amounts of high dietary animal fats and proteins daily (21%). However, more working respondents ate out (10% for breakfast 5-6 times a week, 33% for lunch and 13% for dinner once a week), skipped meals (for breakfast 13% and lunch 5%) and were also greatly affected. Further, the working respondents also consumed more alcohol frequently (16%), increasing the anti-atherogenic effects and they were also more fairly knowledgeable (51%) about hypercholesterolemia. Conclusion: The non-working respondents had higher levels of total cholesterol than the working respondents. Hypercholesterolemia in both the working and non-working respondents was favorably associated with eating habits and partially knowledge of respondents. There should be further research to assess the dietary lifestyle risk factors associated with this condition

Physical compatibility between wax esters and triglycerides in hybrid shortenings and margarines prepared in rice bran oil

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