Prevalence factors associated with Hypertension in Rukungiri District, Uganda – A Community-Based Study

JF Wamala, Z Karyabakabo, D Ndungutse, D Guwatudde

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a growing public health problem in Uganda and Africa as a whole. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and identify factors associated withy hypertension among residents of the rural district of Rukungiri, Uganda.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used to conduct this study. Between January and February 2006, a random sample of consenting district residents, aged 20 years or older were enrolled to participate in this study. Trained research assistants administered a standardized questionnaire and performed the physical measurements. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, social economic and exposure history to various potential risk factors for hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) equal or greater than 140mmHg and/or diastolic BP equal or greater than 90mmHg, and/or being on regular anti-hypertensive therapy. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with hypertension.

Results: Of the 842 study participants, 252 were hypertensive. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 30.5%, with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 26.6 – 34.3%. Factors found to be associated with hypertension included: past alcohol use, Odds Ratio (OR)=2.28, [1.42 – 3.64], present alcohol use OR=1.64 [1.12 – 2.43], being overweight OR=1.95 [1.37 – 2.79], obesity OR=5.07 [2.79 – 9.21], female sex OR=1.44 [1.03 – 2.06], having attained tertiary education OR=1.91 [1.03 – 3.56], and older age OR=1.42 [1.27 – 1.59]).

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in this rural Ugandan district is relatively high. The findings confirm the growing concern about hypertension as a public health problem in Uganda. More studies are however required to determine the distribution and determinants of hypertension in other parts of the country.

Key words: Prevalence of Hypertension, Risk factors for hypertension, Community-based study, Rural Setting, Uganda.