Prevalence and pattern of hypertension and effect of body mass index on blood pressure in six communities of Biase LGA In Cross River, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction The era of increased prevalence of non-communicable disease is here with us. The burden of non-communicable disease like hypertension and diabetes mellitus is overwhelming in developing countries (1). Hypertension is the most common non-communicable disease and risk factor for heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and ischemic heart disease in Africa (2). It is a common and important major global public health problem. It is projected that, in a few years time, about 75% of all hypertensive patients in the world will be from developing countries (2). In Nigeria, it is the number one risk factor for stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and ischemic heart diseases (2). The prevalence of hypertension has increased significantly over the past two to three decades (2,3). Hypertension has been a disease of the affluent but this has changed in the last few years because of varying lifestyles (3-8). The awareness of hypertension ranges from 44% in Western Europe to 28% in North America (2). It has been documented as a threat to the health of people in sub-Saharan Africa and a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in the sub-Saharan region. In Nigeria, hypertension awareness ranges from 3.5% in Sokoto to 30% in Nsukka (2). This problem is worse in rural settings where availability and accessibility to quality health care is a mirage. The essence of this study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in six rural communities in Biase, South-South Nigeria. Methods The study was conducted at the town hall of Adim village in Biase local government area of Cross River state of Nigeria. The Language spoken in Adim village includes the native language called "Arum" along with English and Efik. Biase make up one of the 18 local government areas in Cross River state, Nigeria. It has a population of about 15 000 people. Most of the people are peasant farmers and