Burden of Undiagnosed Hypertension among Adults in Urban Communities of Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading risk factor for mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, it accounts for 7% of global disability adjusted life years. In 2015, it was estimated that around 1.13 billion adults had HTN globally with a high prevalence in low and middle-income countries where the health system is weak to diagnose, treat, and control HTN. Most people with HTN are asymptomatic and go undiagnosed for years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the burden of undiagnosed HTN among adults in urban communities of Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study involving 915 adults from June 17 to July 27, 2019 was performed. WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect data, and the collected data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1and analyzed using SPSS version 20, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to check for a possible association between outcome and independent factors. P-value <0.05 and 95% CI were used on multivariable logistic regression analysis as threshold for significant statistical association.

Results

Undiagnosed HTN in the study area was 21.2% (194). Age (AOR=1.04, 95% CI=1.02–1.05), BMI with overweight (AOR=2.52, 95% CI=1.35–4.71), triglyceride (AOR=1.83, 95% CI=1.29–2.59), and waist to hip ratio (AOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.03–2.54) were factors significantly associated with HTN.

Conclusion

As compared to studies performed before, the risk of undiagnosed HTN in the current study was high. Age, BMI, triglyceride, and waist to hip ratios were found to be the significant factors for it. Preventing the risk factors and screening of HTN should be promoted for early detection, prevention, and treatment of the burden of the disease on the population.

Keywords:

• adult
• burden
• Ethiopia
• hypertension
• Jimma town
• risk
• undiagnosed

View correction statement:

Burden of Undiagnosed Hypertension Among Adults in Urban Communities of Southwest Ethiopia [Corrigendum]

Data Sharing Statement

Readers who will be in need of data and materials of the current study can communicate with the correspondence author.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

The current study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from study participants after giving the important message about the nature of the study. A supportive letter was obtained from the towns and respective Kebele administrations. Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma University, Institute of Health Ethical Review Committee. Using coding system all the participants’ data were kept confidential and no direct benefit were delivered for the participants except free lipid profiles, blood glucose, and HTN tests. Those who were found to have HTN and abnormal metabolic syndromes were advised and linked to nearby health facilities for further evaluation. All materials and equipment used for the study were safely managed and disposed of accordingly.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the data collectors and study participants for their positive cooperation to effectively conduct the study. Our sincere gratitude also goes to Jimma University for funding the project.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

The research project was funded by Jimma University. The funding source of this study did not have any role in conducting the study or in analyzing data or in the writing of this paper.