Changing pattern of high blood pressure in Rumuomasi: A semi-urban community in southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is the largest contributor to global burden of disease with uncontrolled hypertension rising from 600million to nearly 1billion. Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, is not immune to the trend of global health and is even more vulnerable considering her population growth rate and lifestyle challenges. This study therefore aims to identify the prevalence of high blood pressure in the semi-urban community in southern Nigeria. Methods: 199 subjects participated in this community-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among adults age ≥18 years in an outreach held by GoodHeart and life support initiative in November 2023 at Rumuomasi community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Port Harcourt Rivers state, Nigeria. Biodata was collected and blood pressure was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: Of the 199 subjects that participated in this study, 63 (31.66%) were males and 136 (68.34%) females with a mean age of 48.5 ± 14.33 years. The prevalence of high blood pressure in the study population stands at 71.86% (n = 143). Among the hypertensive, 100 were females and 43 males. Early detection and treatment are crucial and should be encouraged, especially in an environment where ignorance and poverty hinder proper health-seeking behavior.