Awareness of hypertension and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in Sudanese adults : cardiovascular topic

Abstract

BackgroundThe incidence of hypertension (HTN) has increased rapidly in the Sudan in the last few years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled HTN and the risk factors associated with it in Sudanese adults.MethodsThis study was cross sectional. Data were collected using structured questionnaires filled in during interviews with subjects visiting referral clinics in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. A digital balance was used for determination of body weight and a traditional cloth tape measure was used for measuring height, for calculation of body mass index.ResultsThis study included 200 subjects, 46% male and 54% female. In the whole study, 82% of subjects (p < 0.001) were on hypertension drug treatment. Of these, 64% had their BP controlled to normal standards set by the World Health Organistion (< 140/90 mmHg). The prevalence of uncontrolled BP was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in males (61%) compared to females (15%). When the risk factors of HTN were considered, 54% of the subjects had a positive family history of HTN and 52% were smokers. Uncontrolled BP was found to be significantly (p < 0.001) higher in smoking males (43%) compared to females (4%). It was also high in people with higher education (55%) and workers (41%). In these groups, when genders were considered separately, uncontrolled hypertension was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in males than females with higher education (67 and 40%, respectively), and in workers (86 and 10%, respectively). Uncontrolled HTN was associated with overweight and obesity in 45 and 29% of the subjects, respectively. Most of the interviewed subjects were not aware of the consequences of HTN and its associated risk factors.ConclusionsUncontrolled HTN was associated with risk factors of HTN and lifestyle, and was more prominent in the male gender. The ignorance of the interviewed subjects about HTN, its associated risk factors, changes in lifestyle and adherence to taking the medication may have been a major factor in the prevalence of uncontrolled HTN.

Determinants of Hypertension Complications Among Adult Hypertensive Patients in Medical Wards at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

“…Level of education was significantly associated with hypertension complications p=0.001,this is in line with a study done in Sudan, where uncontrolled blood pressure among 25% of subjects were illiterate, lack of BP control increased with increase in educational level [16].…”

Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Hypertensive Patients Reported from Different Primary Health Clinics in Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia: A Cross Sectional Study

“…14,15 Within sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, only gender showed a significant association with uncontrolled hypertension in the study. Other studies that showed a significant association between male gender and uncontrolled hypertension as re- 9,[16][17][18] The possible reason among female gender with better control on hypertension is proved due to the protective and regulatory effect of the hormone estrogen. In addition, males were reported to be less likely to seek medical attention compared to females in case of hypertension.…”

“…In addition, males were reported to be less likely to seek medical attention compared to females in case of hypertension. 17 Their lack of time to adopt a healthy lifestyle, enjoyment to be among fellow smokers and men's perception of invulnerability to illness also contributed towards the problem. 9 This study suggests the importance of raising hypertension awareness as well as controlling hypertension in males.…”

“…This finding was similar to several earlier studies by Babiker, Arabzadeh and Decoste. 17,18,20 As the combination of these two conditions showed early complications if not well controlled, thus preventive measures should be concentrated on these patients.…”

Diagnosing Hypertension Among Adults; A Study Based on Prevention-Management of Primary and Secondary Hypertension

“…There was significant association of age (p-value = 0.001), social status (p-value = 0.001), stress (p-value = 0.010), and diabetes (p-value = 0.050) with hypertension. The present study has highlighted the significant factors associated with hypertension that encourages the public health professionals to carry out awareness and prevention programs.A study conducted by Babiker et al (2013) used structured questionnaires to investigate the awareness and factors linked with the uncontrolled hypertension among the Sudanese adults. The results showed that prevalence of…”