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ABSTRACT
The study investigated the prevalence of hypertension and identified risk factors in the Bapedi women of Sekhukhune area. Fifty (50) women diagnosed with hypertension and receiving treatment from local clinics were recruited. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used. Most participants were at the average age of 50.50 ± 7.93 years and weight of 81.17 ± 9.96 kg. Blood pressure measurements recorded were systolic blood pressure (SBP) 163 ± 22.41 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 91 ± 5.41 mmHg. An insignificant number of participants had smoking or drinking habits (0% and 2%, respectively). The largest group of women (46%) had primary level of education, 14% completed junior secondary education, 6% completed matric, and 2% had basic education. All women consumed cereal; a large number of women (50%) consumed oils and fats; 44% flesh meats; 30% fruits and vegetables; 26% tubers and roots; 22% organ meats; 10% fish, 10% eggs, and 8% milk. Results showed a high prevalence of hypertension in the Bapedi women in the Sekhukhune area. Changes in diet and lifestyle could significantly improve the health of most women in the area.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the Department of Health (Provincial) and Sekhukhune District office who granted permission to conduct this study in one of their clinics. We also thank Mrs. Phala, the CEO of Mecklenburg Clinic and Hospital, for her encouragement and support to carry on with the project and for arranging the relevant staff members to help with the accession of the patients’ files. Finally, we send our sincere gratitude to the Greater Tubatse Municipality, who provided the necessary information of their area (Greater Tubatse report 2013/2014), and to the participants for allowing household questionnaires and focus group discussions to be conducted.