Benue State University, Makurdi

CAUSES OF SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME AMONG WORKING CLASS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Benedict Terkaa Iornyagh, Peter Aondofa Kwaghtser, Emmanuel Washima Angyo & Donald Tarfa Ende
^{1, 3 & 4}Benue State University,
Makurdi.


²Federal University of Lafia,
Lafia.

Abstract

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is one of the major causes of death worldwide, while cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of SDS accounting for almost 17.9 million deaths annually of all global mortality. Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria experiences unacceptably high cases of SDS more than other parts of the world. Thus, this study examined the incidence or volume of, and causes of SDS among working class in Benue state, Nigeria. A socio-ecological model was used to describe the incidence or volume, and causes of SDS among the working class. A descriptive survey design and a cluster sampling technique were used where a total sample of 500 respondents comprising of working class in Benue state were chosen via the Z-score formula for sample selection. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were the instruments used for data collection. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques of data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that incidence or volume of SDS was high about 90% among working class in Benue state. Secondly, the study revealed that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, stress, age, and life styles (physical inactivity, excessive alcoholic consumption, too much salt intake and unbalanced diet) are causes of SDS among the working class in Benue state. With these findings the study recommended that, government should improve working conditions of the working class to reduce the incidence of work stress that eventually culminates to SDS. Secondly, individuals, particularly the working class should endeavour to change their life styles and consider and or continue routine physical exercises, reduce salt and sugar intake, cut excessive alcohol consumption, and regular medical checkups, to prevent or manage diseases leading to SDS.

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