November 21, 2014Open Access

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension among Adults in Durame Town, Southern Ethiopia

Q: What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Hypertension (n=518). Intervention: Risk factors for hypertension (e.g., older age, male sex, obesity, physical inactivity, salt use) vs. Individuals without these risk factors. Primary outcome: Overall prevalence of hypertension (95% CI 18.8-26.0).

Key Result

The overall prevalence of hypertension among adults in Durame town was 22.4%, with older age, male sex, physical inactivity, poor vegetable diet, salt consumption, and obesity identified as significant risk factors.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=518)

Multicenter

PICO

Population

518 adults aged >31 years residing in Durame town, Southern Ethiopia, were assessed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension.

Exposure / Comparator

Risk factors for hypertension (e.g., older age, male sex, obesity, physical inactivity, salt use) vs Individuals without these risk factors

Primary Outcome

Overall prevalence of hypertension (18.8-26.0)

Limitations

Did not include rural dwellers
Most respondents did not know their exact birth date, which may under or overestimate the prevalence of hypertension
Blood pressure measurements were taken on a single day
Limited to behavioral and physical measurements without biochemical measurements

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To date, non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, are becoming severe public health challenges particularly in developing countries. Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor that contributes the leading role for mortality. The problem is significant in low- and middle-income countries like sub-Saharan Africa. However, there are limited studies in developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia. Hence, determining the magnitude of hypertension and identifying risk groups are important. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in April 2013 among adults (age>31 years) old. A systematic sampling technique was used to select a total of 518 study participants. Data were collected after full verbal informed consent was obtained from each participant. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to control the effect of confounding. Adjusted Odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to measure associations. Variables having P-value <0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension in Durame town was 22.4% (95% CI: 18.8-26.0). Nearly 40% of hypertensive patients were newly screened. Male sex AOR = 2.03, 95% CI; 1.05-3.93, age AOR = 29.49, 95% CI; 10.60-81.27, salt use AOR = 6.55, 95% CI; 2.31-18.53, eating vegetable three or fewer days per week AOR = 2.3,95% CI; 1.17-4.51, not continuously walking at least for 10 minutes per day AOR = 7.82, 95% CI; 2.37-25.82, having family history of hypertension AOR = 2.46, 95%CI; 1.31-4.61 and being overweight/obese AOR = 15.7, 95% CI 7.89-31.21) were found to be risk factors for hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension is found to be high. Older age, male sex, having family history of hypertension, physical inactivity, poor vegetable diet, additional salt consumption and obesity were important risk factors associated with hypertension among adults. Community level intervention measures with a particular emphasis on prevention by introducing lifestyle modifications are recommended.

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