Prevalence and determinants of high blood pressure among secondary school teachers in Osisioma L.G.A In Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is one of the most common diseases affecting individuals worldwide. It is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to ascertain the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among secondary school teachers in Osisoma LGA, Aba, Abia State
Methods and materials: This is an analytical cross-sectional study on the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among secondary school teachers in Osisioma LGA, Aba, Abia State. It was conducted using self-administered questionnaires, anthropometric data was collected using a measuring tape, automated sphygmomanometer and weighing balance. Collated data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.
Results: A sample size of 264 secondary school teachers was used for the study with a mean age of 41.5 ± 10.2 years and a male to female ratio of 1:1.8. There were more married teachers (68.9%) who were mostly Igbos (97%) and Christians (97.3%). Nearly all (94.7%) had attained a tertiary level of education. Their mean weight was 73.0±13.9kg, mean height was 1.65±0.1m and mean BMI was 26.9±4.9kg/m . In the blood pressure measurement, 23.3% fell into the category of Stage
1 & stage 2 Hypertension (according to JNC 8 Classification of hypertension). 31.8% were known hypertensive with half of them diagnosed over 6 months ago. Respondents who had a family member who was hypertensive and who did exercises showed a statistical significant association with being hypertensive (P=0.000; P=0.020).
Conclusion: According to the study, there is a moderate-to-high prevalence of hypertension among secondary school teachers and their attitude towards regular blood pressure checking in the management of hypertension is poor.
We therefore recommend that;
Health practitioners should emphasize and re-emphasize the importance of drug compliance and keeping to hospital appointments.
Health campaigns should be carried out by both governmental and non- governmental agencies on the complications of hypertension and the proper attitude to avoid these complications.