Prevalence factors associated with Hypertension in Rukungiri District, Uganda - A Community-Based Study
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Date
2009
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African health sciences
Abstract
Hypertension is a growing public health problem in Uganda and Africa as a whole. We conducted a study to
determine the prevalence and identify factors associated withy hypertension among residents of the rural district of
Rukungiri, Uganda.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used to conduct this study. Between January and February
2006, a random sample of consenting district residents, aged 20 years or older were enrolled to participate in this study.
Trained research assistants administered a standardized questionnaire and performed the physical measurements. The
questionnaire collected data on demographics, social economic and exposure history to various potential risk factors for
hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) equal or greater than 140mmHg and/or diastolic
BP equal or greater than 90mmHg, and/or being on regular anti-hypertensive therapy. Logistic regression analysis was used
to identify factors associated with hypertension.
Results: Of the 842 study participants, 252 were hypertensive. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 30.5%,
with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 26.6 - 34.3%. Factors found to be associated with hypertension included: past
alcohol use, Odds Ratio (OR)=2.28, [1.42 - 3.64], present alcohol use OR=1.64 [1.12 - 2.43], being overweight OR=1.95
[1.37 2.79], obesity OR=5.07 [2.79 - 9.21], female sex OR=1.44 [1.03 - 2.06], having attained tertiary education OR=1.91
[1.03 3.56], and older age OR=1.42 [1.27 - 1.59]).
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in this rural Ugandan district is relatively high. The findings confirm the
growing concern about hypertension as a public health problem in Uganda. More studies are however required to determine
the distribution and determinants of hypertension in other parts of the country
Description
Keywords
Prevalence of Hypertension, Risk factors for hypertension, Community-based study, Rural Setting, Uganda
Citation
Wamala, J. F., Karyabakabo, Z., Ndungutse, D., & Guwatudde, D. (2009). Prevalence factors associated with hypertension in Rukungiri district, Uganda-a community-based study. African health sciences, 9(3).