Abstract
BackgroundCardiovascular disease is a major public health problem in many sub-Saharan African countries, but data on the main cardiovascular risk factors–hypertension and obesity–are almost nonexistent in Senegal. The aims of this study were therefore (i) to report the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adults in Dakar, (ii) to assess the prevalence of general and central obesity, and (iii) to analyze the association between hypertension and general and central obesity.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2015 on a representative sample of 1000 dwellers of the Senegalese capital aged 20–90.ResultsThe overall prevalence of hypertension was 24.7%. Among hypertensive respondents, 28.4% were aware of their condition; 16.0% were on antihypertensive medication; 4.9% had controlled blood pressure. The frequency of doctor visits was a significant predictor of awareness (OR = 2.16; p<0.05) and treatment (OR = 2.57; p<0.05) of hypertension. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and general obesity were 12.6%, 19.2% and 9.7% respectively. The prevalence of central obesity was 26% by WC and 39.8% by WHtR. General obesity and central obesity by WHtR significantly predicted HTN among men and women, but not central obesity by WC.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated a high prevalence of hypertension in Dakar and a high prevalence of obesity among women–particularly among older women. The awareness, treatment, and effective control of hypertension are unacceptably low. The blood pressure of women with general obesity, and men with central obesity, in the community should be monitored regularly to limit the burden of cardiovascular disease in Senegal.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death worldwide [1,2], and is a major public health problem in low and middle-income countries [3]
28.4% were aware of their condition; 16.0% were on antihypertensive medication; 4.9% had controlled blood pressure
The frequency of doctor visits was a significant predictor of awareness (OR = 2.16; p
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death worldwide [1,2], and is a major public health problem in low and middle-income countries [3]. According to the meta-analysis made by Altalke et al [14], the prevalence of HTN in SSA at mean participant ages of 30, 40, 50, and 60 years are 16%, 26%, 35%, and 44%, respectively, with a pooled prevalence of 30% While this overall prevalence is similar to what can be observed in the United States for instance [24], it is above all the very low rates of awareness, treatment and control noted in SSA that are cause for concern [25]. Cardiovascular disease is a major public health problem in many sub-Saharan African countries, but data on the main cardiovascular risk factors–hypertension and obesity–are almost nonexistent in Senegal. The aims of this study were (i) to report the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adults in Dakar, (ii) to assess the prevalence of general and central obesity, and (iii) to analyze the association between hypertension and general and central obesity
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