What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Hypertension (n=220). Intervention: HIV infection vs. HIV-negative individuals. Primary outcome: Hypertension (AOR 18.41, 95% CI 3.23-104.93, p=0.001).

June 27, 2026Indian Journal of Medical Sciences0 citationsOpen Access

Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among pensioners in three districts of Kigali City, Rwanda, 2023: A cross-sectional study

PNPierre NdikumwenayoUniversity of Rwanda MJMukamurigo JudithUniversity of Rwanda ANAlbert NdagijimanaUniversity of Rwanda

Key Result

The prevalence of hypertension among pensioners was 53.2%, with HIV infection (AOR 18.41), diabetes mellitus (AOR 16.87), and frequent occupational stress (AOR 13.51) identified as strong independent predictors.

Key Points

The aim is to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated factors among pensioners in Kigali City.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey among 220 pensioners aged ≥60 years in Kigali City.
Collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, behavioral factors, anthropometry, and occupational stress.
Analyzed data using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression.
53.2% of participants had hypertension, with 65.8% prevalence in men.
HIV-positive individuals had significantly higher odds of hypertension (AOR: 18.41, 95% CI: 3.23–104.93).
Diabetes mellitus was associated with higher odds of hypertension (AOR: 16.87, 95% CI: 1.59–178.84).

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=220)

Structured PICO

Population

220 pensioners aged 60 years and older residing in Kigali City, Rwanda, were assessed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors.

Outcome

Prevalence of hypertension (defined as use of antihypertensive medication or average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) and associated factors

There is a high prevalence of hypertension (53.2%) among urban pensioners in Kigali City, Rwanda, which is strongly associated with HIV infection, diabetes, and occupational stress.

Main Result

Odds Ratio: 18.41 (95% CI 3.23–104.93)

p-value: p=0.001

Limitations

Cross-sectional design limits causal inference between risk factors and hypertension.
Self-reported information on behavioral and medical histories may be subject to recall bias.
Results from Kigali City may not fully reflect the situation in rural or semi-urban settings.
Missing anthropometric data limited the inclusion of BMI in the full analytical sample.
Retrospective assessment of occupational stress may introduce recall bias.
HIV and diabetes status were primarily based on self-report and available medical documentation, which may result in misclassification bias.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated factors among pensioners in three districts of Kigali City, Rwanda. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 220 pensioners aged ≥60 years in three districts of Kigali City between July 5 and August 20, 2023. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history (including HIV and diabetes), behavioral factors, anthropometry, and occupational stress were collected using a structured questionnaire, and blood pressure was measured. Hypertension was defined as the use of antihypertensive medication or an average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with hypertension, with results presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.1, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 220 participants, 53.2% had hypertension, with a higher proportion among men (65.8%). HIV-positive participants had significantly higher odds of hypertension (AOR: 18.41, 95% CI: 3.23–104.93) compared to HIV-negative individuals. Participants with diabetes mellitus had higher odds of hypertension (AOR: 16.87, 95% CI: 1.59–178.84) compared to those without diabetes. Participants reporting occasional work-related stress had increased odds of hypertension (AOR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.20–7.02). Frequent work-related stress was also associated with higher odds of hypertension (AOR: 13.51, 95% CI: 2.21–82.83). Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of hypertension among urban pensioners in Kigali City, with HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, and occupational stress identified as associated factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including HIV prevention, stress management, promotion of physical activity, and healthy lifestyle practices.

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