Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adults in Kenya: cross-sectional national population-based survey

Background: Hypertension is a major and fast-growing public health problem in Africa. Aims: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and assess the levels of awareness, treatment and control in Kenya. Methods: A national cross-sectional study based on stratified cluster random sampling was conducted in 2015. The total sample included 4500 individuals aged 18 -69 years, (60.0% female; median age 38.0 years, interquartile range 29 -52 years) from Kenya. We used the World Health Organization STEPS method: Step 1, questionnaire interview; Step 2, anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements; and Step 3, biochemical tests. Logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of hypertension (systolic/diastolic) BP 140/90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive medication), and awareness, treatment and control. Results: Overall, 28.6% of the population had hypertension, 29.2% among men and 27.9% among women, 17.7% among individuals 18-29 years and 58.3% among those aged 60-69 years. Among hypertensives, 29.4% were aware, 6.5% were currently using antihypertensive medication, and 12.5% had controlled their BP (< 140/90 mmHg). In the fully adjusted model, older age, higher education, overweight and obesity, past month binge drinking, and type 2 diabetes were positively associated with hypertension. In addition, underweight was negatively associated with hypertension. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of hypertension among adults in Kenya, with low awareness, treatment and control rates. Public health response is needed in the form of integrated and comprehensive action targeting major noncommunicable diseases in the country.