ABSTRACT
Hypertension, a non communicable, silent killer disease is of public health significance worldwide. As a public health challenge, hypertension is fast becoming a great concern in Chiroma Community, Lafia with complications such as stroke, kidney failure, heart failure and sudden death. Ill-health associated with hypertension shortens life expectancy due to sudden death among the economically active segment of the society. The need for identifying its prevalence and determinants prompted this research. The study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adults in Chiroma Community. Lafia. Nasarawa State. Nigeria. A cross sectional study design was employed, using the multistage sampling techniques. A structured pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection, the height, weight and blood pressure were measured. The data obtained was analyzed using Epi-info Version 3.4.3. Chi square was used to determine associations. Significant associations were presumed if p<0.05. A total of 393 participants (245 males and 148 females) were recruited for the study. The result showed a mean age of 32 Â 13 years for the participants, 143 (37%) were university graduates, most were married, and in government employment. The prevalence of hypertension in Chiroma Community, Lafia is 39.9%(95%CI, 1.83-5.64) with 25.2% for men and 14.8% for women. About seventy percent(69.9%) of the participants had satisfactory knowledge of hypertension and 33% agreed that Ageing is the most common risk factor for hypertension in the area followed by stress. Ninety-three percent of participants heard about hypertension, 59% obtained information about hypertension in the hospital and 89% of participants described it as a deadly disease. The common symptoms and signs of hypertension mentioned include headache 56% and dizziness 47% respectively.The finding showed that the participants also agreed that the males (58%) were more affected than female (42% )in the area and the age group most commonly affected was 40 - 49 years. Cigarette was the most common tobacco product used with a mean age of commencement of smoking at 22Â7 years. Eighteen percent (18%) of the participants were in physically rigorous jobs. Fifteen percent (15%) had visited traditional healers for the treatment of hypertension and 34% participants used orthodox treatment for raised blood pressure. From the research, the participants suggested multipurpose approach strategies as the most effective way of preventing and treating hypertension. The mean body weight (kg) of the participants was 67.0 kg, the mean height was 2.24meters and the body mass index(BMI) showed that 106 (27%) participants were overweight, while up to 23.7% were obese. The rating of intake of diets e.g. fruits and vegetables by the participants were inadequate as majority (55.3% and 68.7%) of the participants took fruits and vegetables for less than 3 days per week respectively. Forty four percent (44%) of participants had 1 -5 hours of sedentary lifestyle daily. In conclusion, the prevalence of raised blood pressured in Chiroma community was high, with family history, diabetes, age, smoking as the major independent predictors of hypertension. Although a high proportion of the participants had good knowledge of hypertension, there was low regular check up visits to health facilities. More so, recommendations and suggestions were also made among which were increase awareness campaign on hypertension to the public especially on the importance of regular blood pressure check up through the media houses.
