Hypertension in the Young Adults

Background: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence has been documented to be highest in Africa where 46% of the world’s population with hypertension reportedly resides. There is a global concern that hypertension in teenagers and young adults are on the increase and cases are not detected because of inadequate screening in this age group. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among undergraduates in Rivers State. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Rivers State. The subjects were recruited from University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University which are the three major tertiary institutions in Rivers State and their ages ranged between 16 and 35 years. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: A total of 1096 respondents were recruited for the study, there were 570 (52%) males and 526 (48%) females. Sixteen (1.5%) of them were married while 1080 (98.5%) were single. The prevalence of hypertension among the respondents was 21%. Adding salt to meal before eating and noodles consumption were significantly associated with hypertension. Other risk factors which included smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, family history of hypertension and/or CVD and use of social drugs were not significantly associated with increased prevalence of hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high in this study there was a significant association between hypertension and risk factors such as salt intake and noodles consumption. Health practitioners should enlighten the public on the presence of hypertension in young people. There is also need to create awareness of hypertension even in young adults and promote early lifestyle changes.