ABSTRACT
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. The proportion of the global burden of disease attributable to hypertension has significantly increased from about 4.5 per cent in 2000 to 7 per cent in 2010. This makes hypertension the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality globally and highlights the urgent need of action to address the problem. Aim of the study was to assess level of awareness and knowledge, determine the prevalence, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of hypertension among civil servants in Kano State. Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in which 520 respondents were recruited using multi-stage sampling technique. Modified WHO-STEPS semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was adapted for the study. Data was collected on Knowledge, socio-demographics, Behavioural, Physical (Anthropometric measurements) and biochemical variables. Blood pressure was measured and 5mls of blood was collected to determine the blood sugar and lipid profile. Data was analysed using Epi-info version 3.5.4. Of the 520 respondents, males were 438(84.2%) while 82(15.8%) are females. The age of respondents ranged from 18- 65 with a mean of 43 � 9.9- years. Highest level of education was 170 (32.7%) and median income of N50,000 (N12,000-350000). The prevalence of Systolic and Diastolic hypertension were 138(26.5%) and 183(35.2%), diabetes mellitus 30(5.8%), Obesity 48(9.2%) and overweight 142(27.3%). Generally knowledge of determinants and risk factors was poor among respondents as only 0.8% had a good knowledge. The study revealed low level of knowledge on hypertension which is a major cardiovascular risk factor among study participants. A BMI greater than 30(obesity), lack of vigorous physical activity were the major modifiable risk factor while age greater than 40 years was found to be the non-modifiable risk factor of hypertension among the civil servants of Kano State. It is recommended that Sensitization Campaigns of civil servants to embark on regular medical checkups and exercises.