BLOOD PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION AND HYPERTENSION IN TWO RURAL COMMUNITIES OF GONDAR REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this study was to document the distribution of blood pressures and the prevalence of hypertension in two rural communities located in the northwestern Gondar Region of Ethiopia. Based upon a systematic random sampling, 226 households (724 persons) were selected. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were calculated separately for male and female children (5 -15 years) and adults. Among male and female children the mean SBP's were 110.0 +/- 9.5 and 113.4 =/- 10.0, while the mean DBP's were 73.8 +/- 8.2 and 73.8 +/- 7.9, respectively. The difference in mean SBP's was statistically significant (p<0.05). Among adult males and females the mean SBP was 118 +/- 13.3 and 114.0 +/- 14.5, while the mean DDP was 73.5 +/- 8.2 and 72.7 +/- 9.2 respectively. The difference in mean SBP's was statistically significant (p<0.05). Blood pressure was found to rise with age. The prevalence of hypertension in children was 4.3% and in adults 2.7%. Prevalence rates were not significantly different in females and males.