ORIGINAL: Gaps in Management of Dyslipidaemia among Physicians in Nigeria: Report of a Web-Based Survey

West Afr J Med. 2024 July; 41(7): 775–782 PMID: 39356655

Authors

  • Y. A. Ayoola Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Gombe State.
  • O. A. Adejumo Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State.
  • S. O. Oiwoh Dermatology and Venerology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.
  • J. O. Akande Department of Chemical Pathology, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
  • O. Adebayo Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State.
  • T. I. A. Oseni Department of Internal Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
  • F. O. Inofomoh Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State.
  • A. A. Mamza Department of Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State.
  • I. R. Edeki Department of Internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.
  • A. C. Enikuomehin Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State.
  • O. O. Oni Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
  • O. A. Junaid Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State.
  • T. T. Shogade Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
  • I. A. Yusuf Department of Internal Medicine, Dalhatu-araf Specialist Hospital Lafia, Nasarawa State.
  • M. M. Yakubu Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State.
  • A. O. Yusuf Department of Medicine, Osun State University/Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State.
  • D. S. Oyedepo Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State.
  • S. O. Adebayo Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • A. A. Akintunde
  • Nigeria Clinical Lipid Research (NiCLiR) Network Oiwoh Dermatology and Venerology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

Keywords:

Dyslipidaemia, Gap, Knowledge, Management, Nigeria, Physicians

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidaemia contributes significantly to globalcoronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular disease. Effective use of statins precludes adequate knowledge of its benefits. This study aimed to determine the gaps in the management of dyslipidaemia among physicians in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a web-based survey of physicians across Nigeria regarding the management knowledge and practice of dyslipidaemia. Analysis was done by SPSS 23.0. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results: Three hundred and thirteen physicians across Nigeria consisting of 65.4% males responded to the survey. The majority, 57.5% were 25-40 years. While most of the participants (98.3%) believe that elevated LDL-C is an important cause of CAD, there were concerns about statins use and associated increased risk of muscle disorder (63.2%), hepatic disease (37.4%), hemorrhagic stroke (27.2%), cognitive impairment (12.6%) and new-onset diabetes mellitus (19.2%). Similarly, 41.9% of participants have concerns about hemorrhagic stroke while 32.2% also expressed concerns about lowering LDL-C and ischaemic stroke. More than a third (38.2%) indicated that >20% of their patients cannot use statins continuously due to adverse effects such as muscle symptoms, etc. The results obtained when asked about the target of LDLC in patients with or without a history of CAD and diabetes mellitus were as varied as 3-200 mg/dl.

Conclusion: This study highlights there exist significant gaps in knowledge and practice of the management of dyslipidaemia among experts in Nigeria. Concerted efforts by relevant authorities and societies may be needed to enhance the knowledge and practice of the management of dyslipidaemia in reducing the CV risk among Nigerians.

Author Biographies

A. A. Akintunde

Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Nigeria Clinical Lipid Research (NiCLiR) Network Oiwoh, Dermatology and Venerology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Published

2024-07-30

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 7 (2024): The West African Journal of Medicine

Section

Articles
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