Prevalence of hypertension amongst adults in umunneochi local Government area of Abia State, Nigeria: A survey

The prevalence of hypertension amongst adults in Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria, predisposing factors and its relationship with age and gender was studied. The research design adopted was a cross-sectional descriptive study, in which one thousand and three (1003) adults comprising of 286 males and 717 females, aged 30 years and above, who presented themselves for a free medical outreach, were screened for the prevalence of hypertension. The study period was between January and December, 2013. Data collected were ages in years, sex and blood pressure values. Diagnosis of hypertension was based on the blood pressure threshold of 140/90 mmHg, set by the International Society of Hypertension. Hence, Individuals whose resting blood pressure values were above 140/90 mmHg, were considered hypertensive. Oral interviews bordering on lifestyle, culture and diets were also used to generate data on the predominant risk factors in the study area. Results obtained indicated that out of the 1003 persons involved in the study, 608 (60.62%) were found to be hypertensive and comprised of 183 (63.98%) males and 425 (59.27%) females. Rise in prevalence rate was also found to increase with age, attaining peak values at ages 60-69. Dietary predisposing factors identified included high salt intake, saturated fat, carbohydrates and junk foods while lifestyle factors included tobacco, alcohol, stress and poverty. We hereby conclude that the prevalence rate of hypertension in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria is high and calls for urgent attention to avoid reaching a pandemic state.