A call to action: Insights into hypertension prevalence and management in an urban sub-saharan African population

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a global health challenge, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle
income countries like Cameroon. Urban centers, such as Yaoundé, face increasing prevalence driven by rapid
urbanization and healthcare disparities. The study objective is to assess hypertension prevalence, associated risk
factors, and barriers to effective management in an urban Cameroonian population.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 as part of the HEAVEN-CIEL Hypertension
Awareness Campaign. Data from 181 adults were collected through structured questionnaires and physical
assessments, including blood pressure measurements. Associations with demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle
factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: Hypertension prevalence was 59.67%, with rates peaking at 75.56% among individuals aged 46–60 years
(p = 0.0019). Medium-income participants showed the highest prevalence at 75.56% (p = 0.043). Obesity (p =
0.0024) and high-fat diets (p = 0.0212) were significant risk factors. Alarmingly, 87.04% of hypertensive
individuals were untreated, highlighting gaps in medication access and adherence.
Conclusion: Hypertension in Yaoundé represents a major public health concern, driven by age, socioeconomic
disparities, and unhealthy lifestyle factors. The low treatment rates reflect systemic healthcare barriers.
Comprehensive, culturally sensitive interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness, prevention, and
management. Future research should focus on the longitudinal impacts of targeted public health strategies.