Physician, Heal Thyself? Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Obesity Among Doctors in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) because of unhealthy lifestyles and adverse working conditions. This study assessed cardiovascular risk factors—smoking, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI)—among doctors at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, the main referral hospital in Aceh, Indonesia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2019 at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, simultaneously with the hospital's annual medical check-up for health workers. Doctors attending the check-up who were aged <65 years, willing to participate, and without a known diagnosis of CVD were enrolled. Body weight was measured using a body composition monitor, and blood pressure was measured using a Riester blood pressure meter. Total cholesterol was measured as part of the hospital's annual medical check-up protocol. Descriptive analyses were performed.
Results: In total, 99 doctors were enrolled. More than half (54.5%) were women, and 45.5% were aged 40–49 years. The smoking rate was 14.1%. SBP >120 mmHg was present in 64.6%, and DBP >80 mmHg in 50.5%. Total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL was present in 72.7% of participants, while 24.2% had 150–199 mg/dL and 3.1% had <150 mg/dL. Using Asia-Pacific BMI cutoffs, 13.1% were overweight and 73.7% were obese. Overall, 86.9% had a BMI ≥23 kg/m².
Conclusions: Elevated blood pressure measurements, total cholesterol levels ≥200 mg/dL, and overweight or obesity were common among doctors at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital. These findings highlight the potential role of annual medical check-ups in identifying doctors who may benefit from further clinical assessment and preventive support. Workplace health promotion and supportive hospital policies may help strengthen cardiovascular prevention among physicians.