SP062PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG URBAN POPULATIONS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a growing public health concern particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a leading cause of CKD, heart failure, and stroke in Nigeria. However, little is known about the current burden and determinants of hypertension in Northern region of Nigeria. The aim of the study is to determine the current prevalence, and predictor of hypertension in urban populations within North-Central zone of Nigeria. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of adults in eight urban communities in Kwara state. We measured blood pressure, anthropometric parameters (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio), and blood sugar by standard methods. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90mmHg, taken after 10minutes rest and an average of two measurements recorded 5minutes apart. The association between hypertension and the variables were evaluated by spearman correlation, while the predictors were determined by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: We studied 1506 adults with mean age of 44±14years, and there was female preponderance (55%). The prevalence of hypertension was 30%, (30.2% in males and 29.8% in females). Hypertension correlates significantly with age (r = 0.416, P = 0.001), BMI (r = 0.301, P = 0.001), hip circumference (r = 0.219, P = 0.001), waisthip ratio (r = 0.225, P = 0.005), and waist circumference (r = 0.063, P = 0.045). The predictors of hypertension were: waist circumference (OR = 1.169, CI = 1.021 - 1.340, P = 0.024), body mass index, (OR = 1.113, CI = 1.059 - 1.170, P = 0.001), and age (OR = 1.052, CI = 1.034 - 1.070, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension is high in middle age urban populations in North-Central Nigeria, driven by age, and markers of obesity. Reduction in weight may enhance prevention of hypertension in these populations.