CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK ASSESSMENT USING THE THAI CVD RISK SCORE IN A MUSLIM COMMUNITY ONGKHARAK DISTRICT NAKHONNAYOK PROVINCE

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of death, particularly among Muslim populations, whose dietary and behavioral risk factors are shaped by their cultural context. This descriptive study aimed to assess the 10-year cardiovascular disease risk level and to examine the relationships among associated risk factors among Muslims residing in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province. The sample consisted of 210 patients receiving services at a chronic disease clinic, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Thai CVD Risk Score assessment tool (reliability coefficient = 0.80) and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient.

Results: The majority of participants were female (64.3%) and aged between 51 and 60 years (85.2%), with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.43 kg/m². Hyperlipidemia was the most prevalent underlying condition (57.1%). Regarding cardiovascular risk assessment, most participants were classified as having a high-risk level (42.9%), with a mean overall CVD risk score of 20.02%. Although the majority were non-smokers (71.9%), their overall risk remained elevated due to underlying comorbidities and abdominal obesity.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Health literacy-enhancing activities that are culturally aligned with the Muslim way of life should be developed to support behavioral risk modification. Furthermore, qualitative research is recommended to identify context-specific contributing factors, and continuous monitoring and care by a multidisciplinary healthcare team should be implemented to support long-term cardiovascular disease prevention.