Pre-hypertension in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Pre-hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120 to <140 mmHg or diastolic BP of 80 to <90 mmHg, is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Understanding pre-hypertension determinants is crucial for prevention and control, especially in low-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of pre-hypertension in an adult Ugandan population.
• To identify risk factors associated with pre-hypertension and hypertension in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional community survey analyzed data from 4142 adults (≥18 years) in Uganda.
• Blood pressure was measured, and risk factors including smoking, alcohol use, weight status, physical activity, sex, age, marital status, residence, and diet were assessed.
• Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare groups with normotension, pre-hypertension, and hypertension.

Main Results:

• The age-standardized prevalence was: normal BP 37.6%, pre-hypertension 33.9%, and hypertension 28.5%. Raised blood pressure affected 62% of the population.
• Pre-hypertension was more prevalent in men (41.6%) than women (29.4%).
• Risk factors for pre-hypertension included age ≥40 years, smoking, alcohol consumption, not being married, male sex, and overweight/obesity. Hypertension risk increased with age, inactivity, urban residence, and overweight/obesity.

Conclusions:

• More than one in three adults in the surveyed Ugandan population exhibited pre-hypertension.
• The findings underscore the urgent need for preventive and public health strategies to mitigate the prevalence of raised blood pressure.