High prevalence of hypertension among an ethnic group in Sudan: implications for prevention

Abstract

Objective Hypertension is an emerging non-communicable disease in developing countries. Due to its silent nature and serious complications, active screening is essential in order to prevent complications. For instance, premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases could be prevented by the effective control of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among Nuba ethnic group living in Atbara city, north Sudan and to identify the associated risk factors. Subject and methods All consenting 500 adults from Nuba tribe who live in El Wihda District, Atbara were included. Blood pressure (BP) and body mass index were measured. Standard interviewing procedures were used to record medical history, sociodemographic data, and lifestyle characteristics. Results Among the 500 participants, females were 364 (72.8%) and males were 136 (27.2%). The overall prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 49.4% (30.8% stage 1 hypertension and 18.6% stage 2 hypertension). In addition, 41% of the population was having prehypertension. The significant risk factors for high BP were: male sex, age above 45 years, overweight, illiteracy, and alcohol consumption. Conclusion Undiagnosed high BP is very common among Nuba ethnic group; therefore, active screening and early management are recommended to prevent complications. ARTICLE HISTORY

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Acute Coronary Syndrome Among Sudanese Individuals With Diabetes: A Population-Based Study

“…While in rural population, the prevalence was estimated to be 15-38% in Sudan [ 23 , 24 ]. Importantly, the prevalence of hypertension in Nubia ethnic population in South of Sudan living in the North of Sudan was estimated to be around 50% [ 25 ]. Importantly, several studies indicated that DM emerged as a strikingly common correlate to hypertension [ 26 - 28 ].…”

Factores asociados al no diagnóstico de hipertensión o diabetes en brasileños ≥40 años

“…Sin embargo, aquellos que abusaban del alcohol y consumían frutas ≤4 veces/semana mostraron mayor probabilidad de HTA y/o diabetes no diagnosticada. En diferentes estudios realizados en población hipertensa las mujeres mostraron menor probabilidad de HTA no diagnosticada que los hombres 3,17 . Sin embargo, en diabéticos no se observó asociación significativa entre patología y sexo 4,19 .…”

“…La asociación entre consumo de alcohol e HTA o diabetes sin diagnosticar se ha documentado en diversos estudios 3,16,17,19,20 . El alcohol ha sido identificado como un FR de problemas cardiovasculares, es más, el elevado consumo de éste se ha asociado con HTA 3 . En los individuos de Cambé se encontró una asociación entre el abuso de alcohol y la ausencia de diagnóstico de estas patologías.…”

“…La hipertensión y diabetes son problemas de salud pública con rápido aumento en países en desarrollo 1,2 . Estimaciones recientes indican que aproximadamente un billón de adultos en el mundo tiene hipertensión, observándose mayores prevalencias en Europa del este, Latinoamérica y Caribe 3 . Respecto a la diabetes, alrededor del 8,3% de personas mundialmente se ve afectada por ésta 4 .…”

“…Son múltiples los factores de riesgo (FR) para hipertensión y diabetes. Éstos son biológicos, sociales o de comportamiento, y generalmente son comunes para ambas enfermedades 3,4 .…”