Hypertension in a Rural Community in South-South Nigeria

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in both urban and rural areas. This cross-sectional study was done in Adim, a rural village in Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of hypertension. All participants for the study were aged 20 - 65 years. Pretested structured questionnaires were administered to assess and obtain demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured from participants. Atotal of 824 participants enrolled for the study. About 500 (60.2%) were females and 324 (39.8%) were males. Atotal of 164 had hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg); 124 were females (73.67) while 40 (24.4%) were males. Only 5 (3.1%) were aware of being hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension was 19.9%. Hence, hypertension screening should be enhanced to allow for quicker diagnosis and intervention.