A study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among employees working at a call centre Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

IntroductionHypertension often referred to as Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Causes of hypertension are classified into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and other associated factors leading to the onset of hypertension among employees working at the call center.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross sectional study design. Data collection was done in two parts; part one comprised of clinical health assessments; weight and height to aid determine Body Mass Index and blood pressure measurement. Part two was by self-administered questionnaires to participants to aid identify behavioral risk factors and further elicit lifestyle practices. Data was collected from a sample population of 370 respondents. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied in univariate analysis. Further analysis included bivariate and multiple regression analysis; Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength of association.ResultsThe proportion of hypertension was significantly higher among overweight respondents (32.7%) (OR= 11.55; 95% CI= 4.44-30.07; P < 0.001) and obese respondents (60.2%) (OR= 36.02; 95% CI= 13.43-96.60; P < 0.001) compared to those respondents who were within normal range of weight (4.0%). Nine (9) factors that were associated with hypertension at bivariate analysis (P < 0.05) were all subjected to a multiple regression analysis or reduced model where four factors remained in the final analysis. Respondents who were classified as overweight had 10.6 times likelihood developing hypertension compared to those respondents with normal weight (AOR= 10.61; 95%CI= 3.98-28.32; P < 0.001). Likewise, obese respondents were 43.6 fold more likely to develop hypertension compared to those respondents within normal range of weight [OR=43.68; 95%CI=15.24-125.16; P<0.001]. Respondents not trying to reduce fat in their diet were highly predisposed having hypertension at (AOR=2.44; 95% CI=1.20-4.96; P= 0.014) than respondents who always tried to reduce fat in their diet. Respondents who sometimes engage on more physical exercises were 2.2 times likely to develop hypertension (AOR=2.22; 95%CI= 1.20-4.10; P= 0.011) compared to those who always engaged in more physical exercises. Respondents with parenting issues were about twice as likely to have hypertension (AOR= 2.15; 95% CI: 1.23-3.74; P= 0.007) than parents who did not have parenting issues.ConclusionThis study depicts rising cases of hypertension and an alarming rate of pre-hypertension among the working population. This vary based on the age, obesity, parental responsibility, unhealthy diet and lack of or reduced physical activity. These call for strategic interventions and greater emphasis on health promotion programs at the workplace alongside staff empowerment towards health seeking behaviors.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Hypertension in Kenya: A Decomposition Analysis of 2015 Kenya STEPwise Survey on Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factors

“…These aspects need to be given high priority in developing efficient intervention to prevent and control hypertension in Kenya. The prevalence of hypertension reported in the current study is similar to previous studies conducted in Kenya [12,[33][34][35][36]. Similarly, the high prevalence of hypertension among men and older adults compared to women and younger adults have also been established.…”

“…The present study shows pro-rich inequality in hypertension, which is mainly explained by individual health behaviour, socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors. These findings are particularly important considering that more than half of the Kenyan population is prehypertensive [36,49]. We call for gender-and equity-focused interventions, as proposed in the national strategy for non-communicable diseases to curb the rising burden of hypertension and address the inequalities in hypertension.…”

Magnitude and risk factors for hypertension among public servants in Tigray, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

“…The few studies conducted in Ethiopia are showing a high prevalence of the disease in the country. Approximately, 10.5% of the Ethiopian population and 30% of adults in Addis Ababa has been estimated to have hypertension [ 4 , 5 ]. Another study in Ethiopia showed the overall prevalence of hypertension among adult population to be 27.9%, with the proportion being 30.7% in urban and 25.3% in rural residents.…”

Burden of prehypertension among adults in Kenya: a retrospective analysis of findings from the Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) Programme

“…Identification of prehypertension thus presents a significant opportunity to improve the cardiovascular risk of a significant proportion of the population. Although the burden of prehypertension documented here is within the 53-59.3% range previously reported in Kenya [9,10], it is higher than some of the reports in the literature which showed a prevalence of 31-48.9% in non-African contexts. Our findings are consistent with growing evidence that, globally, Africa has the highest rates of ageadjusted prevalence of hypertension [14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…The identification of prehypertension presents a relatively low-cost opportunity to initiate cardiovascular risk reduction for a large proportion of the population. Although two previous Kenyan studies have documented high prevalence of prehypertension (53 and 59%) [9,10], there is a lack of general awareness on the need for screening and followup for prehypertension.…”