Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Results from a Community-Based Survey in Rural Tanzania.

Alfa J Muhihi,Marina Njelekela,David P Urassa,Deodatus Kakoko,Rose N M Mpembeni,Anna Tengia Kessy,Mary Mwanyika Sando,Amani Anaeli,Bruno F Sunguya,Germana Leyna

doi:10.1155/2020/9032476

Abstract

Background Hypertension, which is the single most important risk factor for CVDs, is increasing at an alarming rate in most developing countries. This study estimated the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among young and middle-aged adults in rural Morogoro, Tanzania. Furthermore, it explored factors associated with both prevalence and awareness of hypertension. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of the cluster randomized controlled study of community health workers (CHWs) interventions for reduction of blood pressure in a randomly selected sample of young and middle-aged population in rural Morogoro. Sociodemographics, lifestyle-related factors, history of diagnosis, and treatment for hypertension were collected using a questionnaire adopted from the STEPS survey tool. Blood pressure, height, and weight were measured at home following standard procedures. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess determinants of hypertension and awareness. Result The prevalence of hypertension was 29.3% (95% CI: 27.7–31.0). Among individuals with hypertension, only 34.3% were aware of their hypertension status. Only around one-third (35.4%) of those who were aware of their hypertension status were currently on antihypertensive medication. Hypertension control was attained in only 29.9% among those on medications. Older age (p < 0.001), use of raw table salt (p < 0.001), and being overweight/obese (p < 0.001) were associated with hypertension. Predictors of awareness of hypertension status were older age, being a female, higher socioeconomic status, use of raw table salt, a history of diabetes, and overweight/obesity (all p < 0.001). Alcohol drinking was associated with low awareness for hypertension status (p < 0.001). Conclusion There is high prevalence of hypertension with low rates of awareness, treatment, and control among young and middle-aged adults in rural Tanzania. Community-level health promotion and screening campaigns for hypertension and other CVD risk factors should be intensified.

Highlights

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally [1]
Hypertension, which is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg or regular use of antihypertensive medications [2], is the single most important risk factor for CVDs [3, 4], accounting for 45% of deaths caused by ischemic heart diseases and 51% of deaths caused by cerebrovascular disease [5]
While the prevalence of hypertension declined by 2.6% between 2000 and 2010 in high-income countries (HICs), it increased by 7.7% in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) during the same period [6]

Summary

Background

Hypertension, which is the single most important risk factor for CVDs, is increasing at an alarming rate in most developing countries. is study estimated the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among young and middle-aged adults in rural Morogoro, Tanzania. Is study estimated the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among young and middle-aged adults in rural Morogoro, Tanzania. It explored factors associated with both prevalence and awareness of hypertension. Older age (p < 0.001), use of raw table salt (p < 0.001), and being overweight/obese (p < 0.001) were associated with hypertension. Predictors of awareness of hypertension status were older age, being a female, higher socioeconomic status, use of raw table salt, a history of diabetes, and overweight/obesity (all p < 0.001). Ere is high prevalence of hypertension with low rates of awareness, treatment, and control among young and middle-aged adults in rural Tanzania. Community-level health promotion and screening campaigns for hypertension and other CVD risk factors should be intensified

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Results