Awareness of hypertension and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension among nigerian adults; a community-based study

Abstract

Background: Despite the high burden of hypertension (HTN), most affected persons are not aware of its presence. This study was aimed at determining the awareness status about HTN and the risk factors associated with uncontrolled HTN among adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in six local government areas in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Random sampling method was used to select participants and data collection was by researcher administered questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP) was measured on three occasions using standard methods (WHO criteria BP <140/90 considered normal and ≥140/90 as high). Anthropometric indices of height and weight were assessed to determine body mass index. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and student t-test at P ≤ 0.05.
Result: A total of 1590 respondents (20–70 years) with mean age 43.9 ± 16.4 years participated in the study. Participants diagnosed as hypertensive were 524 and HTN prevalence was 33.0%. Among the hypertensive, 214 (40.8%) were aware of their HTN status. Awareness was higher in females 163 (31.1%) than males 51 (9.7%), increased with age and decreased with higher educational status. Although 40 (7.6%) of hypertensive participants were on antihypertensive medications 27 (67.5%) had uncontrolled BP. uncontrolled BP was found to be high (37%) among participants that take alcohol and it was associated with overweight and obesity in 37% and 18.5% of the participants, respectively.
Conclusion: HTN awareness was low in the study area. Uncontrolled HTN was associated with risk factors of HTN and lifestyle and was more prominent in the female gender.