Prevalence Of Hypertension Risk Factors Research Articles

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Faculty at an Urban University in Uganda.

Hypertension is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many people however are not aware of their possession of risk factors for hypertension. There is a paucity of literature in Uganda describing the risk profile of faculty at public universities. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension risk factors among university teaching staff. This study was conducted among faculty at Makerere University in Uganda. The modified World Health Organization STEP-wise approach for non-communicable disease surveillance was used in data collection. Hypertension was defined as having a systolic blood pressure of ≥140mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥90mmHg, or being on antihypertensive medications. Participants were enrolled from the faculty lists by proportionate to size systematic sampling until the sample size for each college was obtained. Data was collected from January to March 2018. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with hypertension. A total of 141 participants were recruited into the study. The prevalent risk factors for hypertension include physical inactivity (78.7%), overweight (46.8%), obesity (20.6%), addition of extra salt to food (46.8%), current alcohol consumption (33.3%), history of smoking (10.6%), inadequate fruit and vegetable servings per day (100%), family history of hypertension (40.4%) and a family history of diabetes (22.7%). Hypertension was prevalent at 26.2% (95% CI 18.94-33.46%). The risk factors significantly associated with hypertension included a family history of hypertension (p=0.009), obesity (p=0.008) and male gender (p = 0.029). The prevalence of known hypertension risk factors among university teaching staff in urban Uganda is high. Majority of these risk factors are modifiable highlighting the need for continuous screening as well as introduction of prevention and health promotion strategies to reduce the risk burden.

Prevalence of Hypertension Risk Factors Among Hispanic Americans

A program of blood pressure screening, education, and follow-up was established to meet concerns that Hispanics were at risk for hypertension and related health problems, including access to health care and information. The program provided opportunities to gather data on hypertension risk factors and general health status of the Hispanic population. Bilingual community workers provided blood pressure screening through a door-to-door survey of 3399 adults. In addition, the workers provided general and preventive hypertension education, obtained health histories, and referred identified health problems. All 203 persons identified with hypertension were assessed further and followed by public health nurses. Of these, 67 were referred to physicians for care. Referrals for other types of health problems were made for 1603 persons. Significant risk factors identified for hypertension were excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and frequent use of processed foods. A total of 871 persons reported at least one symptom of stress.