Prevalence of Hypertension among adults aged 40 years and above in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria

• Main Authors: Ebirim CIC (Author), Udujih OG (Author), Dozie UW (Author), Agbaka CA (Author), Orji SM (Author), Anaele CC (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health - Peertechz Publications, 2018-05-15.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of hypertension among adults</p><p>aged 40 years and above in a rural Nigerian Population.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Semi-structured questionnaires were completed by random selected rural</p><p>dwellers. Aneroid sphygmomanometer was used to measure their blood pressure measurement. The</p><p>mean of two separate blood pressure measurements was taken in each individual in a sitting position</p><p>after about 5 minutes of rest. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer</p><p>software version 21.0 for windows. Total sample of 320 rural dwellers were recruited for the study.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The result indicated that 116 were males while 204 were females. The mean Systolic Blood</p><p>Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) of participants were 138.5 ± 19.9mmHg and 80.6 ±</p><p>13.9mmHg respectively. The overall prevalence of hypertension in the population was found to be 51.3%.</p><p>The prevalence of hypertension in this study is 56.9% in males and 48.0% in females.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The fi nding of this study indicated need for specifi c interventions, focusing upon</p><p>providing large scale population screening for hypertension and adequate blood pressure control to</p><p>mitigate the mortality and morbidity associated with hypertension especially in the rural areas.</p>