Assessment of Physical Activity Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Among Market Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State

Market traders constitute a significant urban occupational group in Nigeria whose sedentary working postures and dietary patterns may elevate cardiovascular disease risk, yet their physical activity levels and cardiovascular risk profile have received limited attention in community medicine research. This study assessed physical activity levels and cardiovascular risk factors among market traders in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 market traders selected through systematic sampling from four market sections. Physical activity was assessed using the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Blood pressure, random blood glucose, and anthropometric measurements were taken. A structured questionnaire collected dietary and lifestyle information. Results showed that 57.1 percent of traders were classified as physically inactive based on IPAQ criteria, despite perceived occupational activity. Hypertension was identified in 34.6 percent, overweight and obesity in 48.2 percent, and elevated blood glucose in 14.3 percent. Sedentary work posture duration above six hours daily was reported by 61.4 percent. Regular structured exercise was performed by only 23.2 percent. Female traders had significantly higher BMI than male traders (p < 0.01). The combination of high-salt fast food consumption (reported by 72.5 percent) and physical inactivity significantly elevated composite cardiovascular risk. The study recommends an occupational health cardiovascular risk reduction programme tailored for the Onitsha market trader population through the Anambra State Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Keywords: physical activity, cardiovascular risk, market traders, Onitsha, Anambra State