TITLE:
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment among Agro-Textile Workers in Benin
AUTHORS:
Mênonli Adjobimey, Ibrahim Mama Cissé, Conchéta Tchibozo, Nayéton Rose Mikponhoué, Paul Ayélo, Dismand Houinato, Vikkey Antoine Hinson
KEYWORDS:
Cardiovascular Risk, Framingham Risk Difference, Cotton Industry, Occupational Health, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.14 No.4,
October
8,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Global cardiovascular risk (CVR) reflects the probability of developing a cardiovascular event within a specified period, usually 10 years. Workers in industrial settings are exposed to multiple occupational and behavioural risk factors that may increase their cardiovascular risk. The objective of the study was to assess cardiovascular risk and identify associated factors among permanent workers in cotton-ginning factories in Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2019 among permanent workers aged 40 years and older employed in cotton-ginning factories in Benin. Data were collected using a standardized digital questionnaire, physical examination, and biological testing. The absolute 10-year cardiovascular risk was assessed using the WHO/ISH AFR-D risk prediction charts and the Framingham cardiovascular risk model. A Framingham-based risk difference was also calculated as the difference between each worker’s estimated cardiovascular risk and the corresponding ideal cardiovascular risk. Bivariate analyses were performed using R software. Results: A total of 170 workers were included. According to the WHO/ISH risk prediction charts, 6 workers (3.5%) had a 10-year cardiovascular risk ≥ 10%. Using the Framingham model, 14 workers (8.2%) had an estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk ≥ 10%, while 29 workers (17.1%) had a Framingham-based risk difference > 5%. No statistically significant association was found between the investigated sociodemographic, occupational, behavioural, or biological factors and a Framingham-based risk difference > 5%. Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk assessment among permanent workers in cotton-ginning factories in Benin showed differences according to the assessment method used. Although no investigated factor was significantly associated with a Framingham-based risk difference > 5%, these findings support the importance of regular occupational health surveillance, cardiovascular risk screening, and preventive interventions in this workforce.