CONSUMPTION OF COFFEE AND TEA AS A RISK FACTOR FOR ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASES AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN THE SOUTH OF IRAQ

Background: Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (CNCDs) account for 60% of all deaths worldwide. Food and beverage consumption has been recognized as ranked risks among the twelve leading risk factors responsible for avoidable mortality.

Objectives: To study the impact of consumption of tea and coffee as a risk factors for developing ischemic heart disease (IHD) and the prevalence of such consumptions among concerned patients

Methodology: This matched case–control study was conducted in Maysan province. Maysan is a small city in the South east of Iraq. Target population was known cases of patients with IHD attending 10 PHCCs to receive their free medications. Their ages are ranged from 35 to 65 years. The control group was selected from patients complaining of acute illnesses attending the same clinics seeking medical care; all were free from IHD. The total number for each group was 200. The questionnaire was modified from several studies. The data were collected by the researcher through direct interview with patients as well as from their relatives or their accompanying persons. relatives or their accompanying persons.

Results: More coffee and tea consumption was significantly associated with IHD, Odds ratio was 1.97 (p = 0.01) and 1.95 (p= 0.01) respectively,

Conclusions: The study reflected the fact that ischemic heart disease patient were significantly consuming tea and coffee and more consumption of such ingredient considered to be significant risk factor. National interventional awareness and social mobilization programs need to be well established to address this gap.