Prevalence and predictors of hypertension in Namibia: A national-level cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundHypertension has been identified as the single greatest contributor to the global burden of disease and mortality, with estimates suggesting that the highest levels of blood pressure have shifted from high-income countries to low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. While evidence suggests a remarkably high prevalence of hypertension among urban residents in Namibia, national estimates to inform on the country-level burden are lacking. This study estimates the prevalence and predictors of hypertension among Namibian adults.MethodsThe analysis is based on 1,795 women and 1,273 men aged 35–64 years from the nationally-representative 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey. Odds radios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using logistic regression.ResultsThe age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 46.0% (men vs. women: 46.1% vs. 46.0%). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures for the total population were 128.8 mmHg (95% CI 127.8–129.7) and 83.1 mmHg (95% CI 82.5–83.7), respectively. Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower among women (men vs. women: 130.9 mmHg vs. 127.4 mmHg; p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in mean diastolic blood pressure between men and women. Older age, urban residence, and being either overweight or obese were positively associated with the odds of hypertension (p<0.01). For women, the odds of hypertension were also significantly increased for those who were diabetic (i.e. had a fasting blood glucose level greater than 7.0 mmol/L) and reduced for those with higher levels of education.ConclusionThe prevalence of hypertension among Namibian adults is high and associated with metabolic and socio-demographic factors. Future research examining disease comorbidity and behavioral risk factors could better inform on the disease burden and help target resources to optimize prevention and control.

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Malnutrition in Hypertensive Patients in a Community Setting

“…The aged-standardized prevalence of hypertension reported on 2015 was 24.1% for men and 20.1% for women globally ( 8 ). Moreover, nutritional factors such as nutrient intake, blood lipids, and high Body Mass Index (BMI) have been shown to be associated with blood pressure control and mortality ( 9 , 10 ). However, less attention has been paid to the prevalence and prognostic value of malnutrition among hypertensive patients.…”

Gender-specific prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among elderly Bangladeshi people: findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey

“…Self-reported diabetes also increased the odds of having hypertension in both males and females, and these findings are supported by several studies in Bangladesh and elsewhere. [51][52][53]…”

Prevalence and associated anthropometric and lifestyle predictors of hypertension among adults in Kombolcha town and suburbs, Northeast Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

“…This same study reported that the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) > 0.5 and diabetes comorbidity were the most significant predictors of HTN presence. Among Namibian adults, the age-standardized prevalence of HTN was 46.0% and older age, urban residence, and being either overweight or obese were positively significantly associated with the odds of HTN [15].…”