Assessment of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Adults with Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in South-Western Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cardiometabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity), together with symptoms of depression and anxiety constitute a growing public health challenge in Nigeria. These conditions are increasingly prevalent among adults in peri-urban communities undergoing rapid urbanisation, where limited access to preventive healthcare and mental health services further exacerbates their combined burden. The study assessed the pattern of cardiometabolic risk factors and their association with symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults in South-Western Nigeria. Methods: A community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 554 adults aged ≥18 years in Ogun Central Senatorial District. Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the validated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and random blood glucose levels were obtained. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of overweight-obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation was 42.8%, 22.6%, 3.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Mild depressive symptoms were observed in 75.1% of the participants. Mild anxiety symptoms were present in 83.6% of the participants. Symptoms of depression were significantly associated with town of residence (p < 0.001), while anxiety symptoms showed significant associations with town of residence, educational attainment and blood pressure category (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a substantial burden of cardiometabolic risk factors and symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults in South-Western Nigeria. The observed associations, particularly between anxiety symptoms and blood pressure, underscore the need for integrated community-based screening and interventions that address both physical and mental health, especially in underserved peri-urban communities.