Hypertension: Predictors of Knowledge among Market Women in the Sub-Urban Town of Sagamu, South West Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction:
Hypertension is a major public health problem. Based on prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria, only 1/3 of Nigerians are aware that they are hypertensive and of this, only two-third is on treatment for the hypertension. This may be because of inadequate provision of proper education and counseling by health care providers on the risks associated with high blood pressure. This study was to assess the knowledge of hypertension and the determinants among market women in Sagamu, South West Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
The study was a cross sectional study conducted among women in the four major markets in Sagamu. The participants were recruited using multistage technique, thereafter a pretested questionnaire was administered to obtained relevant information. Data obtained were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS 21.

Results:
All the participants had heard of hypertension. Regarding overall knowledge scores, two hundred and fifty-two (60%) had good knowledge, 128(30%) fair/average knowledge while 40(10%) had poor knowledge. Two hundred and fourteen (51%) of the respondents had been diagnosed of hypertension. Those with normal weight, those who were overweight, those who had spent less than 10 years in the market (less time spent in a sedentary occupation) and those with co-morbidities were more likely to have good knowledge of hypertension. Those with informal/primary education, family history of hypertension and co-morbidities had a higher likelihood of reporting a previous diagnosis of hypertension.

Conclusion and recommendation:
This study revealed that women in Sagamu are aware of hypertension. About two-thirds of them have good knowledge of hypertension. Determinants of knowledge of hypertension include educational status, number of years spent in market business (sedentary occupation), BMI, family history of hypertension and presence of comorbidities. There remains a need for continued community education about hypertension.

Keywords: Hypertension, Knowledge Predictors, South West Nigeria