Hypertension among Civil Servants: A Cross-sectional Study in Osun State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major public health concern associated with cardiovascular complications, including heart disease and stroke. This study assessed hypertension knowledge, prevalence, and associated risk factors among civil servants in Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 civil servants selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression examined predictors of hypertension knowledge and selected modifiable risk behaviours. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 39.48 ± 7.50 years. Overall, 75.7% had good knowledge of hypertension, while the observed hypertension prevalence was 44.6%. Participants aged 20-39 years had higher odds of good knowledge than those aged 40-59 years (AOR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.02-2.96). Males had higher odds of smoking (AOR=13.58, 95% CI: 1.78-103.64) and alcohol consumption (AOR=3.99, 95% CI: 2.08-7.65). Monogamous respondents had lower odds of alcohol consumption than polygamous respondents (AOR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.20-0.80). Younger age was associated with the physical activity outcome (AOR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.18-0.70). CONCLUSION: Despite good hypertension knowledge, the observed prevalence was substantial. Workplace interventions should extend beyond health education to integrating blood pressure screening, early referral, appropriate management, targeted lifestyle modification. Collaboration between government agencies and occupational health services is essential for implementing sustainable cardiovascular health programmes.