Socio-demographic Characteristics, Risk Factors and Awareness of Adults Hypertensive Population in Khartoum Locality, 2014

Aims: To identify the prevalence of hypertensions, socio demographic characteristics, risk factor and awareness of the study population about hypertension in Khartoum Locality.

Study Design: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study.

Place of Study: Khartoum locality, Sudan.

Methodology: A total of 587 adult participants were interviewed using structured close ended questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured considering hypertension as ≥ 140 mmHg and ≥ 90 mmHg for systole and diastole blood pressure respectively. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and the cutoff points were derived from World Health Organization (WHO) reference criteria to classify BMI as normal, overweight and obese. Chi square test was used to assess the association of socio demographic characteristics and risk factors with hypertensive population.

Results: The prevalence of hypertensive accounted to 216 (36.8%). Thirty seven hypertensive participants (17%) were not aware about having hypertension, 86 (40%) were not aware about at least one complication of HTN and 117(54%) were not aware about the normal measures of blood pressure. The hypertensive participants were significantly high in the age group 25- 64 years of age and above. Females were significantly having hypertension more than males, 155 (72%) versus 61 (28%). Married participants were significantly having hypertension more than non-married, 169(78%) and 47(22%) respectively. Unemployed participants were significantly having hypertension more than employed ones, 168 (77.8%) and 48 (22.2%) respectively.

Risk factors among hypertensive participants were significantly found among overweight 67 (31%) and obese 115 (53%), positive family history of hypertension 139 (65%), increase salt in food149 (69.3%) and physical inactivity 166 (77%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension among Khartoum locality was high. Hypertensive population awareness was low. Age, sex, marital status, education and employment were significantly associated with hypertensive population. Obesity and overweight, family history of hypertension, increase salt in food and physical inactivity were risk factors among hypertensive study population.