Abstract
BackgroundAddressing chronic diseases is a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, which have largely developed to deal with acute episodic care, rather than to provide organized care for people with age-long conditions. Therefore, exploring the prevalence and identifying the risk factors is a major approach to prevention and control of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in Benin.MethodsWe utilized population-based cross-sectional data from Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). BDHS 2017–18 is the round V of the survey. A total of 7712 women of reproductive age were included in this study. The outcome variable was self-reported high blood pressure. Percentages, chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. Results from the multivariable logistic model were presented as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and confidence interval (95%CI). The significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe total prevalence of self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in The Gambia was about one-tenth (9.9%). Furthermore, geographical region was associated with high blood pressure. Women aged 45–49 years had increased odds of high blood pressure, when compared with women aged 15–19 years (aOR = 2.73; 95%CI: 1.10, 6.79). In addition, increased maternal enlightenment gave higher odds of high blood pressure, when compared to women with low maternal enlightenment (aOR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.08, 1.84). Women with highest neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantaged status (poor women) had 30% reduction in the odds of high blood pressure, when compared with women of low neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantaged status (aOR = 0.70; 0.50, 0.99). Women having increased lifetime number of sex partners (total of 3 lifetime number of sex partners: aOR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.01, 1.94; more than 3 total lifetime number of sex partners: aOR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.01, 2.32) were more likely to have high blood pressure, when compared to women with only one lifetime number of sex partner.ConclusionsEmphasis on high blood pressure prevention methods and involvement of multiple sectors could help to disseminate health care interventions widely. Also, a concerted effort from the stakeholders in health care system and decision-makers is needed to address the drivers of high blood pressure while maintaining health system improvement strategies. The findings could prompt appropriate policy responses towards improving the knowledge and control of high blood pressure in Benin.
Highlights
Addressing chronic diseases is a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, which have largely developed to deal with acute episodic care, rather than to provide organized care for people with age-long conditions
A concerted effort from the stakeholders in health care system and decision-makers is needed to address the drivers of high blood pressure while maintaining health system improvement strategies
In presenting an evidence-based context for government and other health policymakers on the strategies to reduce the occurrence of high blood pressure in Benin, detailed up-to-date information on the prevalence and factors of the condition has been provided in order to match this with appropriate interventions
Summary
Addressing chronic diseases is a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, which have largely developed to deal with acute episodic care, rather than to provide organized care for people with age-long conditions. Cardiovascular diseases account for majority of NCD deaths, or about 17.9 million (or 44% of all NCD deaths), followed by cancers (9.0 million or 22% of all NCD deaths), respiratory diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.8 million or 9% of all NCD deaths), and diabetes (1.6 million or 4% of all NCD deaths) [1, 2] These 4 groups of diseases account for over 80% of all premature NCD deaths worldwide. NCDs continue to pose public health problems in several countries and responsible for the high number of deaths worldwide. The burden of these diseases is rising disproportionately among resource-poor settings. In 2016, over three-quarters of NCD deaths (31.5 million) occurred in resource-poor settings with about 46% of deaths occurring before the age of 70 years [1, 2]
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