Systemic Hypertension among Adults in a Peri-Urban Community in Delta State Nigeria

Author(s):

Fredrick Igben Aigbe, Ovwe Ejovoke Utake, Olanisebe Olamide and Henry Chukwutem Oluonye

The upsurge in the prevalence of systemic hypertension and its complications in urban and rural communities in Nigeria cannot be ignored. Periodic surveys on the trend of hypertension in communities are important in the prevention and treatment of the disease. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, prevailing risk factors, and the level of knowledge of the disease, treatment types, and adherence to antihypertensive medications in a community in Nigeria. A cross-sectional design and a multistage sampling method were used in this study. The JNC7 guideline was used to decide the cut-off value of hypertension. From the data obtained, 38% were hypertensive of which 27.8% were previously diagnosed. The level of knowledge of hypertension and controlled blood pressure was low in this study. There was a statistically signi icant difference between blood pressure and the following risk factors: age, sex, marital status, exercise, BMI, and waist circumference. While the risk of developing hypertension was 2.21 times higher in cigarette smokers than in nonsmokers. Participants who engaged in the physical exercise had a 47% lower risk of developing hypertension when compared to those who were inactive; the odds ratio=0.53. Lifestyle modi ications and health promotion can prevent hypertension.