Anthropometric, socio-demographic and biochemical risk factors of hypertension in Lagos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and all-cause death globally and in Africa. The prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria is 28.9%. In Nigeria, analytical studies to determine risk factors and potential biomarkers of hypertension are lacking. This study was conducted to determine lifestyle, anthropometric, socio-demographic, and biochemical risk factors associated with hypertension in Lagos, Nigeria.

Method

This case–control study was conducted among 410 participants, aged 18–65 years. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from cases and controls. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Blood samples were also collected for biochemical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with hypertension. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

In total, 205 hypertensive cases and 205 normotensive controls were recruited. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 39.25 ± 11.49 years. Overall, 180 (44%) of participants were female. Logistic regression analysis indicated that obesity (OR = 3.324, 95% CI = 1.693–6.527, P= 0.000), family history (OR = 2.861, 95% CI = 1.731–4.729, P= 0.000), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 2.940, 95% CI = 1.577–5.480, P= 0.001), insufficient fruits and vegetables intake (OR = 0.152, 95% CI = 0.085–0.273, P= 0.000), frequent intake of dietary salt (OR = 0.400, 95% CI = 0.198–0.810, P= 0.011), and smoking status (OR = 3.709, 95% CI = 1.061–12.964, P= 0.040) were significantly associated with hypertension.

Conclusion

Population-based approaches to reduce exposure to hypertension risk factors are required for effective prevention and control of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in Lagos, Nigeria.

KEYWORDS:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Hypertension
• Risk factors
• Nigeria

Disclosure statement

The authors declared that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any funding. Our respective institutions have not influenced the design, data collection, analysis, or content of this study.

Notes on contributors

Charity E. Chukwu

Charity E. Chukwu. is a graduate of Biochemistry of Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. She holds an MSc Biochemistry degree from the University of Lagos and is currently a Ph.D. Biochemistry candidate of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

Osaretin A.T. Ebuehi

Osaretin A.T. Ebuehi is a Professor of Biochemistry and Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. He was a former Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos.

Janet N.A. Ajuluchukwu

Janet N.A. Ajuluchukwu is a Professor of Medicine and the former Head of the Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos. She is a Consultant Cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.

Adedeji H. S. Olashore

Adedeji H. S. Olashore is a Lecturer in the Department of Biochemis try, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos.