Hypertension and Its Socioeconomic Factors in a Market Population in Awka, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is a major healthcare problem in Nigeria with a probable prevalence of 36.6%. A large population of Nigerians are engaged in market activities. This study was set out to determine the prevalence of hypertension and the factors which may influence it in a population of market workers in Awka, Southeast Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an unstructured market workers’ population. The subjects were screened for hypertension and its potential associated factors. The results were compared between the hypertensive and the non-hypertensive groups. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 41.5%. The prevalence of unawareness of hypertension was 54.1% among those who were hypertensive. Increasing age, non-smoking, poor educational status, thickened arterial wall, marriage, diabetes mellitus, low economic status, small number of persons living in an apartment, fair complexion as well as positive family history of hypertension were significantly associated with hypertension. Thickened arterial wall and tobacco snuff use predicted hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and unawareness of hypertension were high in this study. Obesity, cardiovascular risks, small family size, low income and low educational status were common among hypertensive subjects in the market population.