Predicting vitamin D deficiency using optimized random forest classifier.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D can be acquired from various dietary sources, but exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet rays can convert a natural compound called ergosterol present in the skin into vitamin D. AIM: The current study aimed to investigate vital parameters and use an optimized random forest (OptRF) classifier to understand better and predict the effect of environmental and nutritional factors of Vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: A predictive, cross-sectional, and correlational design was utilized in a study involving 350 male and female Tabuk citizens in Saudi Arabia. The Weka machine-learning tool was employed for comprehensive data analysis, with the OptRF algorithm being tailored through advanced feature selection methods and meticulous hyperparameter tuning. RESULTS: In addition to the OptRF classifier, a number of traditional machine learning techniques have been tested and compared on the dataset of vitamin D to analyze and build the predictive model for classifying vitamin D deficiency. In general, the OptRF-based predictive model can statistically describe data for determining significant features related to Vitamin D deficiency. OptRF demonstrated its ability to classify vitamin D deficiency cases with high accuracy 91.42 %. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Tabuk citizens are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency especially among females (gender predictor) with little regard to age, income, smoking, and sun exposure. In addition, exercise, less Vitamin D intake, and less intake of Calcium are also predictors of Vitamin D deficiency. Due to the link between Vitamin D Deficiency and major chronic illnesses, it is important to emphasize the importance of identifying risk factors and screening for Vitamin D Deficiency. It may be appropriate for nutritionists, nurses, and physicians to promote community awareness about strategies to improve dietary Vitamin D intake or consider recommending supplements.

Attitudes of Jordanian Nurses Toward Caring for Dying Patients.

Hospital nurses are expected to care for dying patients. Such care provokes many undesired emotions and attitudes that affect the quality of care. This study aims to assess the attitudes of Jordanian nurses toward caring for dying patients in addition to examining the relationship between nurses' attitudes toward caring for dying patients and their selected characteristics. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to recruit a total of 290 Jordanian nurses from two hospitals in Jordan. The findings of this study revealed a significant correlation between nurses' attitudes toward caring for dying patients and receiving educational courses on palliative care (p = .008). Also, the study found a correlation between nurses' attitudes toward caring for dying patients and prior experience attending death cases (p = .004). The attitudes nurses have toward caring for dying patients are affected by educational courses, which make these attitudes adjustable toward the positive.

Effects of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy. Specifically, the study aims to compare the outcomes of an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention with those of a control group. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was employed, including an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention and a control group receiving standard care. The study participants were patients with permanent colostomy. Various variables were assessed, including odor scale, work and social functioning, sexuality and body image, stoma function, financial concerns, acceptance, anxiety/preoccupation, social engagement and anger. RESULTS: The post-scores assessment showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. The experimental group exhibited significantly more positive outcomes concerning the reduction of odor (p<0.001), performance in the workplace (p<0.001), body image connected to sexuality (p<0.001), stoma functionality (p<0.001), financial worries (p=0.005), acceptance levels (p<0.001), anxiety levels (p<0.001), social involvement (p<0.001), and irritability (p<0.001). Effect sizes were substantial (=0.88-0.98 in all variables but one), indicating significant differences in average scores before and after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that lavender oil intervention effectively improved odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy.

Genomic Literacy among Nurses in Jordan: A Population-based Study.

The current study aimed to measure genomic literacy among Jordanian nurses by evaluating their understanding of key genomic concepts and how they view genomics in nursing practice. Descriptive, Cross-sectional, and Correlational designs were used in this study. A descriptive design was used using the Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory (GNCI©), a 31-item instrument. Data were collected from a total of 751 participants. A total of 406 participants were female, and 395 (52.6%) were single. The mean score of the genome basics was 2.33, ranging from 0 to 13. The mean score of the knowledge about mutation was 0.57, ranging from 0 to 3. At the same time, the mean score for inheritance and genomic healthcare was 1.74 and 1.53, respectively. Nurses working in the oncology center had the highest genomic knowledge score (mean = 7.05, SD = 4.24) compared with nurses in other healthcare sectors (p = < .001). There is a low level of genomic literacy among Jordanian nurses. Nurses must have sufficient genomic literacy to provide the best nursing care to patients, their families, and the community. Jordanian nurse authorities must develop competencies representing a minimum standard of care to provide competent genomic and genetically focused care.

Assessment of Alarm Fatigue Risk Among Oncology Nurses in Jordan.

Introduction: Using technology in the clinical setting where clinical alarms frequently occur, resulting in many false alarms, which is called alarm fatigue, alarm fatigue may increase nurses' distraction, and that might negatively affect patient safety. Objective: This study aimed to assess alarm fatigue among oncology nurses in Jordan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in a non-profit specialized cancer center. A self-reported questionnaire was answered by nurses who participated in the study. Results: A total of 222 questionnaires were analyzed with a more than 95% response rate. More than half of the sample (60.4%) were females. The participants were young nurses with a mean age of 25.18 ± 3.33 years. The total mean score of alarm fatigue was 31.62 ± 7.14 on a scale ranging from zero to 52. Post-hoc analysis showed that the palliative unit (25.73 ± 7.22) and emergency room (28.73 ± 6.62) had low scores of total mean alarm fatigue than remaining area of practice, such as the ICU (33.92 ± 6.99); p-value: .004. Conclusion: Alarm fatigue is a global issue affecting many practice areas. An educational program is recommended for nurses to learn how to deal with alarm fatigue. In order to effectively manage alarms, nurses' education and individual training are crucial.

Breast Self-Examination: Knowledge, Practice, and Beliefs Among Females in Jordan.

Introduction: Worldwide, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females in Jordan. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate breast cancer knowledge levels and practice and assess health beliefs regarding the model supporting self-breast examination (BSE) in a group of females aged between 20 and 60 in Jordan. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used; Two hundred females participated in the study, employing convenient sampling. The adjusted version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) was utilized to collect the data. Results: Most participants were married (F = 128, 64%), and the mean of the participants' age was (36.18, SD = 10.87). About 73 participants (36.5%) don't practice BSE; however, 53 participants (26.5%) plan to practice BSE in the future monthly. The logistic regression model showed that the impact of confidence as positive predictive value on practicing BSE in the last year (B = 0.141, p < .001) and this year (B = 0.130, p < .001) was statistically significant. Conclusion: Implications for practice include identifying culturally specific barriers and improving health education programs to trigger breast self-examination utilization.

Anxiety level among newly hired nurse in a specialized oncology hospital: An observational study.

Background: Anxiety is common among oncology nurses due to the complexity of oncology patients' needs and demands. The current study aimed to assess the anxiety level among newly hired nurses in a specialized oncology hospital throughout their initial period of employment, deploying a General Nursing Orientation (GNO) and the Clinical Resource Nurse (CRN) role. Methods: A longitudinal one-group repeated measure design was used. Participants' demographics sheet and Sate-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults questionnaire were used. A total of 181 newly hired nurses participated in the study. Results: The anxiety level among newly hired oncology nurses was (mean=38.65, SD=9.58) at the beginning of GNO, and the level of anxiety was highest after 90 days of employment (mean=45.71, SD=7.20). The level of anxiety among newly hired oncology nurses increased gradually from day one of the GNO, the last day of GNO, and finally, after 90 days of employment. Conclusions: Nurses working in oncology workplaces face anxiety. It is important to seek nursing administrators' attention to apply proper strategies to decrease the anxiety level among newly hired nurses to help them smoothly fit into a new team to ensure safe patient care.

Nurses' Experiences of Caring for Patients with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study.

The purpose of this study was to explore nurses' experiences, abilities, and willingness to care for patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among 12 nurses working with patients with COVID-19. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from two national hospitals in Jordan. Semi-structured interviews (45-90 minutes each) with open-ended questions were held via Zoom to collect data. Four major themes emerged from the data analysis. The first theme, uncertainty, consisted of two subthemes: new experience and lack of training. The second theme was related to social stigma by society and other staff members. The third theme of front-line fighters consisted of two subthemes: empowering the main health caregiver and community acknowledgment. The fourth theme was related to challenges and consisted of two subthemes: physical and psychological challenges. At the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19, the nurses had experienced a lack of certainty, physical and psychological challenges, and social stigmatization, which had negatively affected their willingness and ability to fight the outbreak. However, the nurses reported growing professionally and psychologically with time and becoming more knowledgeable, skillful, powerful, and confident care providers during the pandemic. Being able to fulfill their responsibilities and being acknowledged by others gave the nurses a sense of achievement. Early education and training about COVID-19, clear infection control protocols and guidelines, psychological counseling, and adequate social support are essential steps for enhancing nurses' mental well-being and willingness and ability to fight COVID-19.

Impact of an Interventional Program on Improving Compliance of Hand Hygiene and Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infection in the Critical Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the effect of a hand hygiene (HH) and awareness campaign on knowledge and compliance with HH practices among health-care workers working staff in the main intensive care units and also to evaluate the rates of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) before and after the intervention. METHODS: A prospective, interventional, pre-post design was utilized and carried out in three phases: the first stage was a 1-month preintervention stage to develop the foundation of the compliance rate of handwashing; the second stage was the interventional handwashing campaign; the third stage was the postintervention stage to improve the compliance rate of handwashing. Two instruments were used in this study: the HH Knowledge Questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization to assess HH knowledge and the Handwashing Questionnaire developed to evaluate HH washing. RESULTS: HH knowledge has been increased from preintervention (M = 11.84, standard deviation [SD] = 2.41) to postintervention (M = 18.80, SD = 2.93), and the effective compliance with HH practice was as low as 49% in June 2017 to 75% in February 2018. In addition, the HAI rate was dropped from 13.2% in June 2017 to 9% in February 2018. An inverse association was recognized between HH compliance and HAI rates. CONCLUSIONS: These results recommend that reasonable approaches can decrease the HAI rate of intensive care units. A nationwide handwashing interventional program can be employed in all hospitals.

Nurses' Ethics in the Care of Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Working during an epidemic can be physically, emotionally, and morally demanding for nurses. In addition to caring for patients, nurses are also responsible for looking after themselves and their families. The current study aimed to explore nurses' ethics in the care of patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted in order to gain an in-depth understanding of nurses' experiences of caring for patients with coronavirus. A purposive sample of 10 nurses working with patients with COVID-19 was recruited. Interviews were held with the nurses, and content analysis of the interviews was conducted. Each interview was transcribed, and the text was coded into manageable categories on the word, word sense, phrase, sentence, and theme levels before analysis. Three major themes related to the nurses' ethical commitments during the COVID-19 crisis emerged during the data analysis. These themes are as follows: the obligation of nurses to provide care for patients regardless of their medical diagnosis; the ethical dilemma faced by nurses of whether to care for patients or protect themselves from the virus; and finally, the responsibility of nurses to care for themselves.

The impact of a standard pain assessment protocol on pain levels and consumption of analgesia among postoperative orthopaedic patients.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a leading concern in post-surgical orthopaedic settings; andeffective pain assessment tools are important aspects of pain management. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of using standard pain assessment protocols (SPAP) on pain levels, pain management, and analgesia consumption among patients in the first 24 h following orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: In total, 101 patients were recruited and assigned to the comparison group (n = 50) and experimental group (n = 51). SPAP was used in the experimental group while the comparison group received routine care. Pain levels at rest and during movement and analgesic consumption were compared between the two groups. FINDINGS: There were significant differences in pain levels between the comparison and experimental groups. The experimental group consumed significantly less pain medication at 8-11 h of opioid medications and 12-15 h of non-opioid medications (P < .001). The use of non-pharmacological modalities was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the comparison group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Regular pain assessment and management using SPAP can promote pain management and reduce pain levels as well as reduce analgesia administration and promote the use of non-pharmacologic approaches. These outcomes can result in fewer side effects for patients. IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that using SPAP can result in improved outcomes as well as the use of non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management. This approach can result in better outcomes and increased communication between the nurse and the patient.

Relationship between Hyperlipidemia, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Globally, dyslipidemia has been shown to be an independent predictor of many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, which led to recent advocacy towards dyslipidemia prevention and control as a key risk factor and its prognostic significance to reduce the burden of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate hyperlipidemia as a risk factor connected with stroke and CVD. Moreover, having identified this risk factor, the study evaluates how hyperlipidemia has been examined earlier and what can be done in the future. METHODS: All prospective studies concerning hyperlipidemia as risk factors for stroke and CVD were identified by a search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases with keywords hyperlipidemia, risk factors, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: The constant positive association between the incidence of coronary heart disease and cholesterol concentration of LDL is apparent in observational studies in different populations. Thus, the reduction of LDL cholesterol in those populations, particularly with regard to initial cholesterol concentrations, can reduce the risk of vascular diseases. However, the impact of using lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, has been demonstrated in several studies as an important factor in decreasing the mortality and morbidity rates of patients with stroke and CVD. CONCLUSION: After reviewing all the research mentioned in this review, most studies confirmed that hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for stroke and correlated in patients with CVD.

Improving the Workflow Efficiency of An Outpatient Pain Clinic at A Specialized Oncology Center by Implementing Lean Principles.

OBJECTIVE: Adult outpatient oncology pain clinics face many challenges due to the increased number of patients, the restriction of electronic appointment systems, overcrowding, waiting time, and patient dissatisfaction. This project aimed to improve clinic time efficiency, decrease clinic waiting time, and improve patient satisfaction. METHODS: Lean thinking concepts and their tools, for example, value-stream mapping and value added (VA)/non-VA (NVA) analysis were used. Electronic appointment system slots were stratified based on patient visit type. A total of 187 patients were included in a time-motion survey at three different occasions: preintervention (n = 67) and two consecutive quarter postintervention time points (n = 64, n = 56). Simultaneously, patient satisfaction was reported quarterly by a quality management office. RESULTS: The pain clinic workflow became more efficient; the mean clinic waiting time decreased from 72.5 min at preintervention to 19.5 and 21 min at the two postintervention quarters, respectively. Moreover, patient satisfaction improved from 75% at the preintervention to 100% and 96.7% at the two postintervention quarters. CONCLUSIONS: Redesigning the process of an electronic appointment system using lean thinking considerably decreases patients' waiting time, improves patient satisfaction, improves resource utilization, allows proper scheduling based on patient visit types, eliminates unnecessary waste processes, and reallocates health-care providers' time toward direct, individualized patient care.

Relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency, Diabetes, and Obesity.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of VDD in Saudi Arabia, revealing the lifestyle and nutritional habits; and assesses the association between VDD, Diabetes Mellitus, and obesity. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used in this study. A convenience sampling method of 350 participants participated in the study. RESULTS: The results revealed that the probability of having vitamin D Deficiency was higher among females (OR = 2.06, p > .05); younger age-whereby with each one year decrease in age there was about 0.03 probability of having Vitamin D Deficiency (B = -0.03; p > .05); individuals with higher incomes (OR = 1.44, p > .05); smokers (OR = 0.08, p > .05); and a lack of exposure to the sun (OR = 8.50; p > .05). In addition, exercise is also a predictor of Vitamin D deficiency (OR = 3.8; p > .05). Moreover, less Vitamin D intake (OR 9.7; p > .05), less intake of Calcium (OR = 12.2, p > .05); In addition increase one unit in the BMI, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and FBS increased the log odd of having liability of Vitamin D deficiency by 3.2; 1.9, 1.8, 1.0, and 2.4 (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D Deficiency was prevalent in both males and females across different age groups in the citizens of Saudi. Because of the connection between Vitamin D Deficiency and main chronic disease, it is necessary to emphasize the need to recognize Vitamin D Deficiency screening for risk factors. It may be reasonable for the nutritionists, nurses, and physicians, to encourage the community on approaches to enhance dietary Vitamin D or suggest supplementation.

Impact of Structured Nurse Leader Rounds on Satisfaction With Nursing Care Among Patients With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The patient satisfaction rate is considered a challenge for nurse leaders, especially among patients with cancer, due to the complexity of the disease, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of structured nurse leader rounds (NLRs) on satisfaction with nursing care among patients with cancer. Moreover, we assessed the relationship among NLRs, patient satisfaction, and demographical variables. METHODS: A two-group posttest design was used in four adult inpatient oncology units in a specialized oncology center. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to select 169 patients for the experimental group (80 patients) and control group (89 patients). Structured leader rounds were conducted by nurse leaders using a scripted nurse leader tool to standardize the rounds in the experimental group, while the unstructured leader round was conducted in the control group. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire. RESULTS: The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in total score of patients' satisfaction between study groups (t = -9.213, p > .001). Conversely, the structured leader round has a significant impact on the patient's experience with nurse concern and caring (t = -2.054, p = .042). CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of a structured NLR has a significant impact on improving patient satisfaction in an oncology setting where patients receive care from many disciplines, such as surgical, medical, radiotherapy, and radiology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Efficient structured NLRs of nursing professionals are important for enhancing the quality of nursing care and patient satisfaction.

Leadership styles' influence on the quality of nursing care.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate managers' leadership styles, from the perspective of registered nurses, and its effects on the quality of nursing care in both the private and public healthcare sectors. An additional aim is to assess the relationship between leadership styles and particular organisational outcomes. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The sample for this quantitative research study was comprised of 400 respondents, among which 50 were nurse managers, 150 were staff nurses and the remaining respondents were patients. Two questionnaires were used in this study: the multi-factor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) 5X short and a patient satisfaction with nursing care quality questionnaire (PSNCQQ). FINDINGS: A positive correlation was found between the transformational leadership style with leadership outcomes and the quality of nursing care (r=0.811**, 0.759**, 0.789** and 0.877** for extra effort, job satisfaction, leader effectiveness and quality, respectively). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although the sample study was extensive, a possible limitation is that the research utilised convenient sample who are working in the private and public healthcare sectors thus limiting the generalisability of the study. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study was proposed as a baseline for upcoming studies in areas of education, nursing practice, research and quality. Moreover, this study was expected to be imperative to the hospital's management, in order to improve the current level of leadership, education models and advancement programs for the healthcare sector's senior staff.

The role of electronic medical records in improving the quality of health care services: Comparative study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the quality of health care services' differences between adopted Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and paper-based record hospitals. Moreover, to identify how the quality of electronic medical records affect the quality of health care services. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative design was utilized between two groups in this study. The study was conducted in two public hospitals in Jordan. One hospital which had adopted the EMR system in their works and another hospital that had paper-based record. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 410 health professionals from the selected hospitals (205 participants from each hospital). SERVQUAL and E-S-QUAL questionnaires were adopted to collect the data about the quality of EMR and quality of health care service. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 was deployed to analyze the collected data. RESULT: The results indicate that the quality of health care services (expectation and perception) in EMRs adopted hospital is higher than the quality of health care services in the hospital using paper-based record. Quality of EMRs and its domains (efficiency, availability, fulfilment, and privacy) are high in both perception and expectation of health care professionals in EMR-adopted hospitals. Moreover, there is a significant relationship between the whole perception of the quality of electronic medical records and the quality of services, and between each domain of quality of EMRs and total perception of quality of services. CONCLUSION: Adoption of a high quality of EMR has a significant impact on improving the quality of health care services.

Impact of Nutritional and Environmental Factors on Vitamin D Deficiency

Background: Vitamin D can be obtained through a variety of food sources; however, ultraviolet rays in the sunlight can convert a natural substance in the skin known as ergosterol to vitamin D. Aim: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors linked to vitamin D deficiency among a group of apparently healthy young male and female Tabuk citizens in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study that comprised a convenience sampling method of 350 male and female Tabuk citizens. Results: The results indicated a generalized vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency among the participants, where 74.57% of the population had vitamin D deficiency, and 25.43% reported vitamin D sufficiency. There was a significant positive correlation among the BMI, exercise, exposure to sunlight, vitamin D intake, and calcium intake with vitamin D status (r = 0.574,** 0.525,** 0.515,** 0.466 and 0.465** at p-value < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The present study indicates vitamin D deficiency to be relatively common even among the population of Saudi Arabia, a country receiving adequate sunlight. Also, Vitamin D and calcium supplementation can prove to be beneficial in correcting the deficiency. Moreover, the individuals at a higher risk of vitamin insufficiency, such as women, need to be educated on the health benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation.

International Nursing: Job Satisfaction Among Critical Care Nurses in a Governmental Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Job satisfaction improves the outcome of health care services. Nurses' job satisfaction should receive more attention in Saudi Arabia, and worldwide. This study was undertaken to measure factors that affect job satisfaction among critical care nurses at King Khalid Hospital in Saudi Arabia. This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional method. A convenient sample of 190 critical care nurses was recruited from the main government hospital in Saudi Arabia. Job satisfaction scales were used in this study. Overall, the staff nurses were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their work. The majority of participating nurses were moderately satisfied with their relationships with coworkers (mean = 4.24, standard deviation [SD] = 1.66) and nature of their jobs (mean = 4.13, SD = 0.74). Their lowest satisfaction scores were related to communication (mean = 3.42, SD = 0.82), followed by pay (mean = 3.7, SD = 0.65), and supervision (mean = 3.75, SD = 0.55). Job satisfaction of staff nurses is marginal. This calls for leadership intervention. Decision-makers must consider this when adopting new policies to enhance nurses' job satisfaction.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity among Tabuk Citizens in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is considered as the main cause of death worldwide. Identifying the links among CVDs risk factors can help decrease CVD-related deaths. AIM: To assess the prevalence of risk factors for CVD and their relationships among the Tabuk City population in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used; 432 participants in the Tabuk region were included in this study. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 5.6%, the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) was 11.1% and obesity and overweight together were 69.9%. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI), HTN, and DM increased with age. There was a correlation between BMI with HTN (r=.200, p<.001), BMI and DM (r=.149, p<.001) and DM and HTN (r=.366, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Public awareness may help in reducing the prevalence of CVD.