Abstract
Objective: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and heart failure globally. This trend of complications has been seen even among our rural and urban dwellers in the tropics. This study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in six rural communities in Southern Nigeria.Methods: Adult participants, aged 18-80 years of age from six rural Biase communities who presented for a health screening were recruited. This was a rural community-based cross-sectional study involving 419 adults. Information was obtained from questionnaires which were administered to assess and obtain demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured from participants to assess the BMI and risk factors associated with hypertension, and pattern of blood pressure.Results: A total of 419 enrolled for the study, but 137 had hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) and this was made up of 86 females (62.8%) and 51 males (37.2%). Only 29 of the hypertensives (21.1%) were aware of their condition. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.7%. Moderate hypertension was the commonest presentation. High blood pressure, obesity and overweight was common among the women folk compared to the men that had isolated systolic hypertension (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In recent times, hypertension is seen to be high even in rural settings; hence strict screening should be enhanced to allow for quicker diagnosis and early intervention.
Highlights
The era of increased prevalence of non-communicable disease is here with us
In Nigeria, hypertension awareness ranges from 3.5% in Sokoto to 30% in Nsukka [2]
Isolated diastolic hypertension was defined as a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg and Systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤140 mm Hg
Summary
The era of increased prevalence of non-communicable disease is here with us. The burden of non-communicable disease like hypertension and diabetes mellitus is overwhelming in developing countries [1]. Hypertension is the most common non-communicable disease and risk factor for heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and ischemic heart disease in Africa [2]. It is a common and important major global public health problem. The awareness of hypertension ranges from 44% in Western Europe to 28% in North America [2] It has been documented as a threat to the health of people in sub-Saharan Africa and a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in the sub-Saharan region. In Nigeria, hypertension awareness ranges from 3.5% in Sokoto to 30% in Nsukka [2] This problem is worse in rural settings where availability and accessibility to quality health care is a mirage. The essence of this study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in six rural communities in Biase, South–South Nigeria
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