Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Hypertension in Cameroonian Adult Population

Abstract

Data on association between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and hypertension are very limited in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to look for an independent association between EDS and hypertension and identify the factors associated to EDS in adult subjects with hypertension in Cameroon. Data from cross-sectional community surveys conducted from 2015 to 2018 in three regions of Cameroon (West, Littoral, and North) were analyzed. The participants aged ≥ 19 years were included using multilevel stratified random sampling method. EDS was defined as an Epworth score ≥ 10. Subjects were considered to have hypertension if they were on treatment for hypertension or had a blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg measured by standard protocols. Logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated to EDS. The p-value < 0.05 was set as significant statistical threshold. A total of 8288 subjects (55.2% females) of median age (25^th -75^th percentiles) of 39 (27-54) years were included. The prevalence of EDS was higher in subjects who had hypertension as than in those without hypertension (13.4% vs 11.5%, p = 0.015), with an unadjusted odds ratio (IC 95%) of 1.19 (1.04-1.38). After multivariate analysis including place of residence, age, sex, education level and body mass index (BMI), we did not find an independent association between EDS and hypertension [odds ratio 95% CI): 1.01 (0.8-1.18), p = 0.937]. The determinants of EDS in subjects with hypertension were residence in Bandjoun [2.23 (1.12-4.11), p = 0.10], Douala [2.78 (1.48-5.25), p = 0.002] and Garoua [1.95 (1.01-3.74), p = 0.045] compared to Figuil; and BMI [1.04 (1.02-1.06) per 1kg/m2 increase, p = 0.001]. In conclusion, we did not find an independent association between EDS and hypertension in Cameroon. Obesity is associated with EDS in subjects with hypertension.