Patterns of hypertension among rural Nigerian adults: Epidemiological findings from a retrospective cross sectional community- based study
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality among Nigerian adults may be consequent upon unexamined blood pressure. Hypertension, a major cardiovascular risk factor exists several years symptomless. Unfortunately, few data exist on prevalence, patterns and predictors of hypertension among apparently healthy adults making it difficult for policy-makers to concentrate efforts to control the emerging health burden of the disease.A cross-sectional study of 517 rural adults was conducted to assess the epidemiological characteristics of three patterns of hypertension. Blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate variables associated with different patterns of hypertension with significance at P<0.05. Isolated systolic (ISH) (10.6%), isolated diastolic (IDH) (18.2%) and combined systolic and diastolic (CSDH) (37.8%) hypertension were prevalent. Females hadISH (11.7%) and IDH (25.4%);males had CSDH(38.0%). The 30-39, 20-29 and 40-49year-olds had ISH (13.5%), IDH (26.8%) and CSDH (48.0%), respectively. Predictors of ISH were general obesity (aOR=3.15, 95% C.I.=0.71-14.04), combined abdominal and general obesity (aOR=7.87, 95% C.I.=1.78-34.77) and self-perceived good (aOR=0.23, 95% C.I.=0.08-0.73) and excellent (aOR=0.30, 95% C.I.=0.11-0.83) health status. Determinants of IDH were self-perceived excellent health (aOR=0.29, 95% C.I.=0.12-0.71), abdominal (aOR=0.09, 95% C.I.=0.01-0.71) and general (aOR=0.29, 95% C.I.=0.15-0.54)obesity. Predictors of CSDH were income (aOR=0.33, 95% C.I.=0.13-0.85), education (aOR=2.03, 95% C.I.=1.22-3.37), general (aOR=4.61, 95% C.I.=2.45-8.67) and combined abdominal and general (aOR=1.95, 95% C.I.=1.00-3.78)obesity.ISH, IDH and CSDH were problems among apparently healthy rural Nigerianadults with obesity playing key role. Urgent attention to prevent comorbidities and cerebrovascular accidents is recommended.
