[Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in prison institution staff: a cross-sectional study].

OBJECTIVE: to analyze risk factors for cardiovascular disease in prison institution staff.

METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 127 staff of both sexes; prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated adjusted for age and education, as were the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS: higher proportions of waist circumference ratios were found above the recommended values (58.1%) and the accumulation of two risk factors for females (33.8%); among males there was higher prevalence of abnormal glucose levels (PR=10.73 - 95%CI 1.31;87.92) and blood pressure (PR=2.63 - 95%CI 1.31;6.50).

CONCLUSION: the risk factors for cardiovascular disease found among staff in this study were waist circumference, glucose levels and blood pressure above the recommended values; these health risks can to be addressed through health promotion and disease prevention measures, as well as effective attention to those who are already sick.