Estimating the Prevalence and Awareness Rates of Hypertension in Africa: A Systematic Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe burden of hypertension is high in Africa, and due to rapid population growth and ageing, the exact burden on the continent is still far from being known. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and awareness rates of hypertension in Africa based on the cut off “≥140/90 mm Hg”.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and Global Health. Search date was set from January 1980 to December 2013. We included population-based studies on hypertension, conducted among people aged ≥15 years and providing numerical estimates on the prevalence of hypertension in Africa. Overall pooled prevalence of hypertension in mixed, rural and urban settings in Africa were estimated from reported crude prevalence rates. A meta-regression epidemiological modelling, using United Nations population demographics for the years 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2030, was applied to determine the prevalence rates and number of cases of hypertension in Africa separately for these four years.ResultsOur search returned 7680 publications, 92 of which met the selection criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of hypertension in Africa was 19.7% in 1990, 27.4% in 2000 and 30.8% in 2010, each with a pooled awareness rate (expressed as percentage of hypertensive cases) of 16.9%, 29.2% and 33.7%, respectively. From the modelling, over 54.6 million cases of hypertension were estimated in 1990, 92.3 million cases in 2000, 130.2 million cases in 2010, and a projected increase to 216.8 million cases of hypertension by 2030; each with an age-adjusted prevalence of 19.1% (13.9, 25.5), 24.3% (23.3, 31.6), 25.9% (23.5, 34.0), and 25.3% (24.3, 39.7), respectively.ConclusionOur findings suggest the prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Africa, and many hypertensive individuals are not aware of their condition. We hope this research will prompt appropriate policy response towards improving the awareness, control and overall management of hypertension in Africa.

Hypertension (HTN) Knowledge and with Its Associated Factors: About 456 Outpatients Seen in Cardiology Department in University Hospital (UH) Gabriel Touré—Bamako (Mali)

“…So was knowledge about hypertension determinants high in Germany [3] opposed to findings in Africa with lower rate of awareness [4]. Awareness rate remains low despite increasing prevalence of HTN [5]. Further some studies found improvements in awareness similar among people who had or did not have cardiovascular comorbidities [6].…”

Roadmap to Achieve 25% Hypertension Control in Africa by 2025

“…3), a reflection of a maximal care gap. [5][6][7][8] In 2011, UN member states acknowledged at the highest international level that premature deaths from NCDs reduce productivity and curtail economic growth, causing significant social challenges in most countries. 9 In 2015, the previous target of 25% reduction in rate of premature mortality from NCDs by 2025 was extended to a reduction of 33% by 2030, through prevention, treatment and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.…”

Challenges of the Management of Stroke in Sub Saharan Africa: Evaluating Awareness, Access and Action

“…Anecdotal reports estimate that every Nigerian knows or is related to somebody who has had a stroke before [16]. Studies from other African countries estimated stroke crude incidence rates ranging from 31/100 000 per year in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1998 [17] to 149/100 000 per year in Maputo, Mozambique in 2006 [18][19][20]. Crude prevalence rate of stroke in urban Nigeria is 1.14/1000 (males 1.51, females 0.69) [21].…”