Comparative Analysis of Clinical History, Sociodemographic, Behavioural Factors and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Hypertensive in Awka, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and research studies done in Nigeria observed prevalence rate of hypertension to range from 26.4% to 36.9%.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral and cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension in Awka, South East, Nigeria.

Methods: Cross-sectional study was used.391 participants aged from 18 years above were recruited for this study. Structured questionnaires were constructed in line with World Health Organization Step approach was utilized for data collection. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Chi-square and independent sample T test were used to test comparison between two groups.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 45.87±17. 49.33.7% of retired subjects has the highest prevalence was statistically associated with hypertension in occupational status of the subjects, marital status was statically significant with hypertension and prevalence of hypertension among the subjects were 81.1%, 8.5%, 8.6% for married, single and divorcee respectively, (P<0.001) and also no association was observed between hypertension and subjects that occasionally use high salt often(x2=0.341, P>0.001).

Conclusion: The study showed that age, family history of hypertension, consistent increase in blood pressure, occupational and marital status are associated risk factors of hypertension in Awka, South East, Nigeria. There is need to create awareness on the risk factors and encourage changes in sedentary life style.