Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: The prevention and control of high blood pressure has not received due
attention in many developing countries. Hypertension is a growing public health problem
in Africa and particularly in Ethiopia.
Objectives: The study was aimed to determine prevalence and associated factors of
hypertension among adults of Gondar town, North West Ethiopia
Methods and materials: community based cross-sectional study was conducted in
April, 2012 in Gondar town. Data were collected by face to face interview using a
pretested and structured questionnaire from 679 adults selected by multi-stage
sampling technique after verbal informed consent. Measurements on weight and height
were taken using standard digital beam balance and tape meter. Hypertension was
defined as BP ≥140/90mmHG or reported use of regular anti-hypertensive medication.
BP was measured in a sitting position using standard mercury sphygmomanometer BP
cuff after the study participant rested for at least five minutes and no smoking or
caffeine 30 minutes before measurement. Binary logistic regression was fitted and OR
with 95% confidence interval and p-value were calculated to identify associated factors.
Results: - the over all response rate was about 97.6%. Fifty two percent of respondents
were females and about 21% were ≥ 65 years old and 5.6 % were obese. Of the total
679 study participants, 28.3% were hypertensive and about 37% of were not aware of
that they had hypertension. Factors found to be associated with hypertension were:
family history of hypertension AOR = 2.82, obesity AOR = 5.77, self reported DM (AOR
= 3.92), age category of 55-64years (AOR = 2.07), age category of ≥ 65 years
(AOR=4.87).
Conclusion and recommendation: - the prevalence of hypertension in this community
was high and may indicate a hidden epidemic in this community. Community based
screening programs need to be designed for chronic diseases like hypertension
especially for those aged 55 years and above, obese and has family history of
hypertension.
Key words: Hypertension, prevalence, community based study, Gondar
