ORIGINAL ARTICLE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATED

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the leading cause of death in the world and is the commonest cause for outpatient visits to physicians. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among adults in Bedele Town, South-west Ethiopia. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted by interviewing participants regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, history of hypertension, its risk factors and knowledge of its complications and treatment. Measurements of their blood pressure, body weight, height, and waist circumferences were also done on the same day. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 16 statistical software. Chi-square test and odds ratio with 95 % CI were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Logistic regression model was used to determine the independent risk factors for hypertension. P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 396 adults of whom 67.4 % were males participated in the study. Prevalence of hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or reported use of anti-hypertensive medication, was 16.9%. However, only 44.8 % of those with hypertension were aware of their status, and the overall control rate of hypertension was only 22.4%. Only age and waist circumference were found to be independent predictors of hypertension in the community. CONCLUSION: Hypertension was found to be prevalent in the community. However, the respondents’ awareness about the problem and the overall control rates were very low. Activities targeted at increasing awareness of hypertension in the community and its risk reduction are very important for intervention. There should also be a national strategy for early detection and treatment of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases