Prevalence and pattern of hypertension and effect of body mass index on blood pressure in six communities of Biase LGA In Cross River, Nigeria

Objective: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and heart failure globally. This trend of complications has been seen even among our rural and urban dwellers in the tropics. This study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in six rural communities in Southern Nigeria.Methods: Adult participants, aged ۱۸-۸۰ years of age from six rural Biase communities who presented for a health screening were recruited. This was a rural community-based cross-sectional study involving ۴۱۹ adults. Information was obtained from questionnaires which were administered to assess and obtain demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured from participants to assess the BMI and risk factors associated with hypertension, and pattern of blood pressure.Results: A total of ۴۱۹ enrolled for the study, but ۱۳۷ had hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥۱۴۰ mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥۹۰ mm Hg) and this was made up of ۸۶ females (۶۲.۸%) and ۵۱ males (۳۷.۲%). Only ۲۹ of the hypertensives (۲۱.۱%) were aware of their condition. The prevalence of hypertension was ۳۲.۷%. Moderate hypertension was the commonest presentation. High blood pressure, obesity and overweight was common among the women folk compared to the men that had isolated systolic hypertension (P < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: In recent times, hypertension is seen to be high even in rural settings; hence strict screening should be enhanced to allow for quicker diagnosis and early intervention.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hypertension ، Rural ، blood pressure ، Prevalence ، Nigeria