Author(s)

Obinna Ikechukwu Ekwunife, Patrick Obinna Udeogaranya, Izuchukwu Loveth Nwatu

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Hypertension is a major public health problem. Due to paucity of data, the burden of hypertension in Nigeria might be underestimated. Estimating the prevalence of hypertension in populations of Nigeria would be useful in efforts to control hypertension and prevent its consequences. This survey aimed to assess the prevalence, detection, treatment and control of hypertension in Nsukka, a city located in South-Eastern Nigeria. Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control (outcomes) were examined in 756 adult participants (364 men and 392 women) aged 18 years and above. Blood pressure (BP) of the participants was measured and they also answered a detailed questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140 for systolic BP and or ≥ 90 mm Hg for diastolic BP or being on antihypertensive therapy. Prevalence of hypertension was 21.1%. Men had higher prevalence of high BP compared to women. Systolic and diastolic BP increased with age in both men and women. Detection of high BP in participants with raised blood pressure was 40.3% and 24.7% for males and females respectively. Only 23.7% and 17.5% of males and females respectively with high BP were on antihypertensive treatment while 5.0% of males and 17.5% of females with hypertension were controlled. Prevalence of hypertension was comparable with other studies in Nigeria and Africa. The results showed a poor detection, treatment and control of hypertension. This underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation of the prevalence of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria.

Hypertension; Prevalence; Epidemiology; Nsukka

Ekwunife, O. , Udeogaranya, P. and Nwatu, I. (2010) Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in a nigerian population. Health, 2, 731-735. doi: 10.4236/health.2010.27111.