Population-based prevalence of high blood pressure among adults in an urban slum in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), rapid urbanization and changing lifestyle have modified the profile and pattern of various medical disorders. Apart from high prevalence rates, recent trends with regard to hypertension in Africa include: low levels of awareness, treatment and control. Although a large number of studies provide data about hypertension in SSA, few studies focused on special populations such as urban slum dwellers. The WHO STEP-wise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases was used to access the prevalence of hypertension among adults in one of the urban slums in Enugu. Out of the 811 individuals aged 20 years and above surveyed, 774 (95.4%) cases were analyzed. About 4.7% and 2.7% reported a past history of diabetes and stroke, respectively, whereas 15% had a positive family history of hypertension. The mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) body mass index (BMI) was 23.7 (23.2-24.2) kg m(-2) among males and 26.6 (25.7-26.7) kg m(-2) among females (P<0.0001). The prevalence of hypertension was 52.5% (95% CI: 48.9-56.0) and 55.4% (95% CI: 49.5-61.3) in males and 50.8% (95% CI: 46.4-55.1) in females (P=0.23). It increased with age peaking at 45-54 years in females and ⩾55 years in males. About 40.1% were aware of their hypertension and 28.8% of those aware had normal blood pressure. In regression analysis, systolic (R(2)=0.192) and diastolic (R(2)=0.129) blood pressures increased with age and BMI. The prevalence of high blood pressure among adults in Enugu slums is very high and a cause for concern, and calls for urgent attention.

Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes among Adults in an Urban Slum in South East Nigeria

“…Mean SBP was significantly higher in males than females similar to a previous report [37] [38]. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity has been previously reported and similar to other reports [37] [38] [39].…”

“…Mean SBP was significantly higher in males than females similar to a previous report [37] [38]. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity has been previously reported and similar to other reports [37] [38] [39]. Associations between diabetes and age, stroke, SBP, DBP and BMI have also been reported [37] [38] [39].…”

“…The prevalence of hypertension and obesity has been previously reported and similar to other reports [37] [38] [39]. Associations between diabetes and age, stroke, SBP, DBP and BMI have also been reported [37] [38] [39]. The odds ratio for diabetes was statistically significant from 45 years and above, in subjects with hypertension and stroke.…”

Factors Associated with Medication Adherence among hypertensive Patients in a Tertiary Health Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Furthermore, the rates of tobacco and alcohol use were higher than previously reported [17]. The use of these products may worsen adherence as reported by previously [6].…”

Epidemiological studies in hypertension: more relevant than ever

“…We have papers from China, 10,11 Guinea, 12 Bangladesh, 13 Iran, 14 Canada, 15 South Africa 16 and Nigeria. 17 Interestingly, there are still new data being published from populations that have previously not been studied. One would have expected that, in this highly connected modern world, there are no places left on the planet that do not have proper health statistics.…”