A Cross-sectional Study of the Epidemiological Characteristics of Hypertension in a Mass Screening of Adult Volunteers at the Renaissance University Hospital

Abstract

<i>Introduction</i>: Hypertension is a major public health problem and an important area of research due to its high prevalence. It remains to be the leading cause of death globally and a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with other complications. Its management is a major challenge in our society; the large disparities in the regional burden of hypertension are accompanied by low levels of awareness, treatment and control rates. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension and its associated risk factors. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Renaissance University Hospital in June 2021 during a screening campaign and to raise awareness for hypertension. Its adult volunteers aged 18 years and older were present. The data was collected individually by interview using a collection form. <i>Results</i>: The sample consisted of 350 volunteers with 227 males (64.86%) with a sex ratio of 1.84. The mean standard deviation of total age was 38.96 (12.31) years. The prevalence of hypertension was present in 22.28% of participants (n=78). Male was predominant among hypertensive inviduals (65.38%) and the mean standard deviation age of hypertensives was 42.85 (13.42) years. Associated risk factors were predominantly hyperglycaemia; 26.9% of cases (n=94), alcohol consumption; 23.43% of cases (n=82) and obesity; 16% of cases (n=56). <i>Conclusion</i>: This study shows a high prevalence of hypertension and it concerns predominantly males. It affects young adults and the main associated cardiovascular risk factors were oage, obesity, alcohol consumption and hyperglycaemia.