Hypertension and associated factors among community-dwelling rural adults in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a growing public health problem in developing countries contributing to morbidity and mortality of billions of adults worldwide.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adults in rural communities of Ikwuano, Abia State, Nigeria.

Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional survey in rural communities was conducted among 429 apparently healthy adults aged 20 to 59 years using cluster sampling technique.  Sociodemographic information was obtained using a validated questionnaire. Blood Pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements were carried out following standard procedures. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) equal or greater than 140mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) equal or greater than 90mmHg. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors associated with hypertension.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 51.0% (58.1% in males and 43.1% in females). Hypertension was significantly associated with age, gender, marital status and BMI. In the adjusted model, older age >40 years) (OR=1.96; 95% CL1.03 to 3.72; p<0.04) and over weight/obesity (OR=2.55; 95% CL1.50 to 4.34; p<0.001) were associated with higher odds of having hypertension. Females gender was associated with lower odds of hypertension compared to males (OR=0.32; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.52; p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of hypertension among rural community dwelling adults, underscoring the need for routine screening of adults for early hypertension diagnosis.