Abstract:
Background: Hypertension is a common medical condition worldwide. It is an important
public health challenge because of the associated morbidity, mortality, and the cost to the
society. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its
risk factors among attendants of adult outpatient departments at Jimma University Specialized
Hospital in southwest Ethiopia.
Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on
734 participants aged 15 years or older from May 2012 to June 2012. A pretested structured
questionnaire consisting of characteristics related to sociodemographic profiles and risk factors
for hypertension was used for data collection. Three separate measurements of blood pressure
and relevant anthropometric evaluation were taken according to current recommended standards.
Chi-square test and other statistical analyses were done to employ appropriate interpretations
of the findings. P-values of ,0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.3 ± 13.2 years and 71.7% of them were
35 years and older; 58% of them were females. Overall prevalence of hypertension – defined
by systolic blood pressure $140 and/or diastolic blood pressure $90 or reporting history of
hypertension – was found to be 13.2%. Only 35.1% of them were aware of their hypertension and only 23.7% were on treatment. The overall control rate was 15.5%. Family history
of hypertension, having diabetes mellitus, being overweight, and oral contraceptive use were
associated with high blood pressure.
Conclusion: Hypertension was found to be prevalent; morbidity, awareness, treatment, and
control in those with hypertension were low. Hence, intervention measures should be undertaken
at the community level; particular emphasis should be placed on prevention by introducing
lifestyle modifications and creating awareness about the problem so that early detection and
intervention is possible.
