Prevalence of Hypertension and its Risk Factors Among Adult Residents in Imoru Community, Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a public health challenge that has been increasing alarmingly in both low and high-income countries. This  study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among adult residents in Imoru community.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to surveysample size of 316 randomly selected participants. A well-structured  questionnaire, blood pressure apparatus, weighing scale, and calibrated meter rule were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis tested using multiple logistic regression at a 5% level of significance.

Result: Of the 316(100%)  participants, 177(56%) were males with M: F ratio of 1:0.79. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 37.7%. The level of  knowledge of Hypertension is evenly distributed with 83(26.3%) having poor knowledge, 152(48.1%) having fair knowledge, and 81(25.6%)  having good knowledge. Risk factors identified are consumption of fatty food, adding table salt to meals, performing stressful  activities, consumption of red meat, consumption of processed and canned foods, and addition of condiments to foods (average mean >2.5). Factors influencing these practices are affordability, availability, culture, and ignorance. There is a positive significant correlation of  SBP (R² = 0.1854, p =0.021; p =0.002) /DBP (R² = 0.0458, p =0.002) and BMI. Females are two times (OR: 1.86; CI = 0.343-2.159) more  likely to have good knowledge than males.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of hypertension in the study population. There is a  need for concerted efforts by health policymakers and all stakeholders towards putting in place effective primary and secondary   preventive strategies.