PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION IN KEGBARA-DERE, A RURAL COMMUNITY IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION, NIGERIA

Objectives: Hypertension has become a major health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to urbanization and Western acculturation. We investigated the prevalence of hypertension and risk factors in a rural community in South-South Nigeria. Design, setting, participants: Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured during a cross-sectional study of community health status among 1078 adults, aged >= 18 years, in 2008. Information on lifestyle was also collected through structured interviews. Statistics: Unadjusted hypertension prevalence was calculated against selected risk factors, and association was demonstrated using risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Chi-square was used to test for statistical significance at P<.05. Adjusted analysis was done for age by direct standardization using a reference population. Main outcome measure: Prevalence of hypertension, defined as systolic and diastolic blood pressure >= 140 mm Hg and >= 90 mm Hg respectively and/or current use of antihypertensive medication. Results: Crude prevalence of hypertension was 18.3% (95% CI=16.0-20.7), while the age-adjusted prevalence was 2.63% (95% CI=2.59-2.66). Hypertension rate increased with age (RRs>2.0, P=.00) and was higher in those married (RR=.35, P=.00), but showed no sex difference (RR=1.13, P=.34). Hypertension was associated with tobacco chewing/snuffing (RR=2.32, P=.05) and history of diabetes (RR=3.36, P=.00); but central obesity, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and family history of hypertension or diabetes showed no valid association. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of hypertension in a rural community. Although, the influence of selected risk factors could not be established, screening and health promotion in rural areas should be intensified. (Ethn Dis. 2012;22[3]:340-346)