Hypertension Awareness, Prevalence And Associated Factors Among South-eastern Communities Resident In Lagos, Nigeria

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal morbidity and mortality and its prevalence has reportedly increasing in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and awareness of hypertension among an Igbo communities residing in Lagos state. A crossectional study conducted during a free health outreach programme to an Igbo community residing in Lagos Nigeria. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, personal habits and anthropometric parameters were obtained. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with hypertension. A total of 339 adults consisting of 206 (60.9%) female and 133 (39.1%) males were interview and had clinical and laboratory examinations. The participants were aged between 23 and 73 years, mostly traders (63.4%) and normal body mass index (51.7%). Prevalence of hypertension was 37.3%. Hypertension was found to be associated with male gender, age greater 50 years, sedentary work, family history of hypertension and obesity. Ten percent of hypertensive participants were aware of their hypertensive status and only 30.0% were on treatment. One third of the community members were found hypertensive. Aged above 50 years, sedentary work and obesity were identified as independent risk factors for hypertension.