Damaris Osunkwo
National Hospital, Nigeria
Title: Prevalence of hypertension and determination of its risk factors among prisoners in Abuja, Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Damaris Osunkwo
Abstract
Background. The prisoners are at a greater risk for hypertension because of prevalent tobacco use, unhealthy diet and incarceration-induced stress. We investigated the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors in prisoners in Kuje, Abuja, Nigeria.
Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 male prisoners. WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance of chronic disease risk factors was used to conduct the study. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mmHg and/or self-reported current treatment for hypertension. Body mass index (BMI) was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi-Info version 7.
Results. The mean systolic blood pressure was 131 ± 15 mmHg, diastolic 81 ± 12 mmHg, BMI 24.8 ±3.6 and RBS 97.1 ±21.8mg/dl. Overall, 60 (33.3%) were overweight, 13 (7.2%)were obese ,65 (36.1%) were prehypertensive, 57 (31.6%) were hypertensive and 1(0.6%) diabetic. The risk for elevated systolic BP increased in respondents that has first degree relative with hypertension (OR = 5.6; CI = 1.6 – 19.9; P = 0.008) and with age, higher among those aged ≥ 45years compared with ≤ 34years (OR=7.5: CI= 1.6-35.9, P =0.01) and high for those with insufficient physical activity (OR = 4.3; CI = 1.5 – 12.5; P =0.007). Increased BMI was a risk factor for hypertension (OR=9.1; CI=2.7-31.1,P=<0.001)
Conclusion: There is significant burden of hypertension in prisoners in Abuja. Age, low physical activity, family history of hypertension and obesity were independent risk factors for hypertension.
Key words: CVD risk factors, BMI, Hypertension, Prisoners.