Blood pressure and associated risk factors of hypertension in patients attending a Family Medicine Clinic in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a significant public health issue globally. In recent times, its prevalence in Nigeria is experiencing an upsurge due to the increase in the risk factors associated with hypertension and many persons are unaware of their status. The study assessed the blood pressure pattern and associated risk factors of hypertension in patients attending a Family Medicine Clinic in Delta State, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Family Medicine Clinic, Delta University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria. Participants were recruited using systematic random sampling method. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data and data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution version 23. The level of significance of analysis was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study had 235 adults with a mean age of 45.1 ± 13.7years, with more females (63.0%) than males (37.0%). The prevalence of hypertension was 29% and 30.2% had prehypertension. Increasing age was significantly associated with hypertension, as hypertension occurred more in the elderly (p= <0.001).
Also, hypertension occurred more in participants who were separated (71.4%) and widowed (62.5%) than those who were married. This was statistically significant. Obesity(p=0.002) and a positive family history (p=0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of hypertension.

Conclusion: Increasing age, obesity and a positive family history were associated with increased risk of hypertension. There is need to educate the public on hypertension risk factors and to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to promote prevention and control of hypertension.