PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND KNOWLEDGE OF RISK FACTORS AMONG ADULTS LIVING IN IBADAN-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE
In Nigeria, hypertension is the most frequently diagnosed cardiovascular disorder and its complications constitute approximately 25% of emergency medical admissions in urban hospitals. Knowledge of risk factors could influence adherence to control measures. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension and knowledge of risk factors (RFs) among adults residing in Yemetu, an urban-slum in Ibadan City, South-West Nigeria.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was carried out interviewing 806 adults from 171 households selected by cluster sampling technique. The data was collected using the WHO STEPS instrument and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Knowledge of RFs was assessed on a 22-point scale. A score of >16 was judged good knowledge for RFs. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90mm Hg or currently on BP-lowering medications according to WHO/International Society for Hypertension (ISH) guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests at p≤0.05.
RESULTS:
Mean age and BP of the participants was 38.8 ±15.6years and 133/80 mm Hg respectively. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 32.3% (male 36.1% and female 30.1%). Prevalence of hypertension increased with age from 14.3% in the age-group <30 years to 70.2% in the age-group ≥60 years. Half (50.1%) had good knowledge of RFs. Knowledge of RFs was significantly associated with age. Alcohol and tobacco use was reported in 11.5% and 3.2%, respectively. 5.2%, 52.0%, 29.5%, 13.3% were underweight, normal, overweight and obese, respectively. More female (17.7%) than male (5.4%) were obese. Marital status, BMI, education, employed/or not, were significantly associated with hypertension.
CONCLUSIONS:
High prevalence of hypertension in this study is above the national average and underscores the need for urgent steps to create awareness and implement interventions for prevention and early detection.