Background Hypertension, a major cardiovascular disease risk factor exists several years without symptoms. Few data exist on prevalence and predictors of hypertension among apparently healthy Nigerian adults. This makes it difficult for policy-makers to concentrate efforts to control emerging health burden of the disease. This study assessed prevalence and predictors of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) and combined systolic and diastolic hypertension (CSDH). Methods Cross-sectional survey design was employed in the study of 517 adult participants (20–60 years) in a rural setting. Selection of the respondents was through multistage sampling which involved systematic, proportionate and simple random sampling. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference were collected. Frequencies, T-test, analysis of variance and Chi square were used in statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate variables associated with different patterns of hypertension with significance accepted at P < 0.05. Frequencies, percentages, crude and adjusted odd ratios were reported. Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 21.0 was used in statistical analysis. Results ISH (10.6%), IDH (18.2%) and CSDH (37.8%) were observed among the participants. ISH was less likely among 20–29 year-olds (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (C.I.) = 0.13–0.94), 30–39 year-olds (aOR = 0.30, 95% C.I. = 0.11–0.82) and those with abdominal obesity (aOR = 0.12, 95% C.I. = 0.03–0.56). Participants who perceived their health status as good (aOR = 3.80, 95% C.I. = 1.29–11.18) and excellent (aOR = 5.28, 95% C.I. = 1.54–18.07) were respectively 3.80 and 5.28 times more likely to have ISH. Those with secondary education had significantly higher likelihood for IDH (aOR = 2.05, 95% = 1.02–4.14) whereas self-perceived poor health status (aOR = 0.24, 95% C.I. = 0.09–0.65), absence of obesity (aOR = 0.10, 95% C.I. = 0.01–0.81) and general obesity (aOR = 0.35, 95% C.I. = 0.17–0.72) were associated with reduced risk for IDH. Secondary (aOR = 0.60, 95% C.I. = 0.36–0.99) and tertiary (aOR = 0.49, 95% C.I. = 0.28–0.85) education were associated with reduced risk for CSDH but combined obesity (aOR = 4.39, 95% C.I. = 2.25–8.58) increased the risk for CSDH by 4. Conclusion ISH, IDH and CSDH were problems among the adults with age, obesity, self-perception of good/excellent health status and low education level as significant predictors. Health and nutrition education to prevent comorbidities and cerebrovascular accidents are recommended.

Background Obesity is a complex disease characterised by excess fat accumulation and health risks. There is paucity of data on epidemiology of obesity patterns among adults in rural Nigeria. This study aimed to provide current data on the prevalence and predictors of three patterns of obesity (abdominal obesity alone, general obesity alone and a combination of both) among adults in three rural communities of Enugu State, South-east Nigeria to enhance specific obesity prevention and control programmes/interventions. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study involved 500 adults selected through a six-stage random sampling technique. Questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-economic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics of the respondents. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured by standard procedures. Body mass index was used to assess general obesity while abdominal obesity was assessed through waist circumference. Each respondent was classified under only one of the three patterns: general obesity alone, abdominal obesity alone and combined obesity. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the predictors. Significance was set P<0.05. Results Prevalence of abdominal obesity alone was 6.0%. General obesity alone was found among 31.4% and 45.6% were affected by combined obesity. Being a female (AOR:0.35, 95% C.I.: 0.14, 0.88) and not skipping meals (AOR:0.24, 95% C.I.: 0.10, 0.55) were associated with less likelihood of abdominal obesity but ≥3 times daily meal intake increased the risk by 2.52 (AOR:2.52, 95% C.I.:1.10, 5.75). Predictors of general obesity alone were age 41-60 years (AOR:1.84, 95% C.I.:1.14, 2.97), being a female (AOR:7.65, 95% C.I.:4.77, 12.26) and having any form of formal education (AOR:2.55, 95% C.I.:1.10, 5.91). Combined obesity was less likely among 41-60 year-olds (AOR:0.36, 95% C.I.:0.23, 0.56) and females (AOR:0.21, 95% C.I.:0.13, 0.32). Never married (AOR:1.94, 95% C.I.:1.03, 3.67) and vigorous physical activities (AOR:1.81, 95% C.I.:1.08, 3.02) increased the risk of combined obesity by almost 2. Conclusions Prevalence of abdominal obesity alone, general obesity alone and combined obesity were high. They were functions of age, sex, never married, having any form of formal education, skipping meals, ≥3 daily meal intake and self-reported vigorous physical activity. Focused nutrition and health education are recommended strategies for prevention and control of obesity.