Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among adults: A community based study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background In all areas of the World Health Organization, the prevalence of hypertension was highest in Africa. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for coronary and ischemic diseases, as well as hemorrhagic stroke. However, there were scarce data concerning the magnitude and risk factors of hypertension. Thus, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults in Addis Ababa city. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2018 in Addis Ababa city. Participants aged 18 years and older recruited using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interview technique. All three WHO STEPS instruments were applied. Additionally, participants’ weight, height, waist, hip, and blood pressure (BP) were measured according to standard procedures. Multiple logistic regressions were used and Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were also calculated to identify associated factors. Results In this study, a total of 3560 participants were included.The median age was 32 years (IQR 25, 45). More than half (57.3%) of the respondents were females. Almost all (96.2%) of participants consumed vegetables and or fruits less than five times per day. Eight hundred and sixty-five (24.3%) of respondents were overweight, while 287 (8.1%) were obese. One thousand forty-one 29.24% (95% CI: 27.75–30.74) were hypertensive, of whom two-thirds (61.95%) did not know that they had hypertension. Factors significantly associated with hypertension were age 30–49 and ≥50 years (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.39–5.56) and (AOR = 8.23, 95% CI: 4.09–16.55) respectively, being male (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.18–2.99), consumed vegetables less than or equal to 3 days per week (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.21–4.93), obesity (AOR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.13–3.71), abdominal obesity (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.10–2.64) and high triglyceride level (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.38–3.07). Conclusion In Addis Ababa, around one in three adults are hypertensive. With a large proportion, unaware of their condition. We recommend integrating regular community-based screening programs as integral parts of the health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Lifestyle interventions shall target the modifiable risk factors associated with hypertension, such as weight loss and increased vegetable consumption.

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Comparative Analysis of Clinical History, Sociodemographic, Behavioural Factors and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Hypertensive in Awka, Nigeria

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2019/v31i630303 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Chidinma Ifeyinwa Mmaju ◽

Peter Osezele Okonudo ◽

Gladys Ahaneku ◽

Ufoaroh Chinyelu Uchenna

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Marital Status ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Clinical History ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and research studies done in Nigeria observed prevalence rate of hypertension to range from 26.4% to 36.9%. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral and cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension in Awka, South East, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional study was used.391 participants aged from 18 years above were recruited for this study. Structured questionnaires were constructed in line with World Health Organization Step approach was utilized for data collection. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Chi-square and independent sample T test were used to test comparison between two groups. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 45.87±17. 49.33.7% of retired subjects has the highest prevalence was statistically associated with hypertension in occupational status of the subjects, marital status was statically significant with hypertension and prevalence of hypertension among the subjects were 81.1%, 8.5%, 8.6% for married, single and divorcee respectively, (P<0.001) and also no association was observed between hypertension and subjects that occasionally use high salt often(x2=0.341, P>0.001). Conclusion: The study showed that age, family history of hypertension, consistent increase in blood pressure, occupational and marital status are associated risk factors of hypertension in Awka, South East, Nigeria. There is need to create awareness on the risk factors and encourage changes in sedentary life style.

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Concordance of Mother-Child (6–23 Months) Dietary Diversity and Its Associated Factors in Kucha District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2021/8819846 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Tesfaye Guja ◽

Yabsira Melaku ◽

Eshetu Andarge

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Food Groups ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mothers And Children

Meeting minimum standards of dietary quality in mothers and children is a challenge in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Emerging evidence suggests that maternal and child dietary diversity is associated, but little is known about the associated factors of concordance of mother-child dietary diversity in Ethiopia and none is documented in the study area. This study examines the concordance between mother-child (6–23 months) dyads dietary diversity and the associated factors in Kucha District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 791 mother-child (6–23 months) pairs from 11 selected kebeles on March 6 to April 13, 2017. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. The sampling frame was obtained from the family folder of health posts in each kebele. The mother-child pairs were selected by the simple random sampling method. The 7 food groups of the World Health Organization (WHO) for children and the 10 food groups of FANTA/FAO 2016 for mothers were used to analyze the dietary diversity. Cohen’s kappa statistics was calculated to see the strength of concordance. The multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine factors affecting mother-child dietary diversity concordance. A good concordance was noted between mother-child dietary diversity scores (Kappa = 0.43). Only 56 (7.1%) mothers were negative deviants, and 133 (16.8%) mothers were positive deviants in dietary diversity consumption. Rural residence (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI: 1.90–6.41), having no formal education (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.08–3.05), not owning milking cow (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.10–2.56), children with low dietary diversity (AOR = 8.23; 95% CI: 5.17–13.08), and mothers with low dietary diversity (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.29–0.74) were found to be factors associated with mother-child dietary diversity concordance. An increase in the percentage of children reaching the minimum dietary diversity was greater with a successive increase in maternal dietary diversity. Despite interesting similarities between mothers and children dietary consumption, more than three-quarters of concordants did not achieve the recommended dietary diversity score (were low concordants). Interventions targeting on rural women’s access to high school education, home-based milking cow rearing, and promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture to meet the dietary requirements of mothers and children in a sustainable manner and public health efforts to improve child nutrition may be strengthened by promoting maternal dietary diversity due to its potential effect on the entire family.

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Abstract MP043: Awareness of Hypertension and Determinants of Treatment in a Community-Based Observational Sample in Da Nang, Viet Nam

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.amp043 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Zachary P Boas ◽

Annette L Fitzpatrick ◽

Quang V Ngo ◽

James P Logerfo

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Low Income ◽

World Health ◽

Viet Nam ◽

Behavioral Modification ◽

Community Based ◽

Major Health Problem ◽

Screening Programs ◽

Urban Regions ◽

Undiagnosed Hypertension

Introduction: Hypertension in Viet Nam is becoming an increasing source of mortality and morbidity. While data collection on hypertension in resource poor environments has been improving through the use of standardized surveys, little is known about how well treatments are being applied. Knowledge of gaps in diagnosis and treatment is necessary if appropriate public health programs are to developed. Using a community based observational sample in the Da Nang province of Viet Nam, we studied both the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension, as well as the types of treatment those with hypertension received. Methods: Randomized cluster sampling methods were used to identify adults age 35 years and older in six communes of Da Nang province, Viet Nam. Using World Health Organization guidelines, data were collected on subject’s demographics, medical history, blood pressure and health behaviors. Subjects were also instructed to bring all medications they take regularly which were then recorded. Separate multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify both factors associated with awareness of hypertension as well as factors influencing whether one received medical therapy. Results: The initial survey examined 1,621 adults with 557 (34.5%) having hypertension. Of those, only 232 (41.7%) were aware of the diagnosis. Being male (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36–0.75), older (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05 per year) and having a low income (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16 per million dong/month) were each independently associated with being unaware of one’s hypertension. Of those who were aware of their hypertension, 212 (91.4%) had been recommended some behavioral modification (exercise, decreased sodium intake, smoking cessation, or weight loss). Two-thirds (152/229) reported having taken antihypertensives in the past two weeks. Reported use of medication differed by region, 109/150 (72.7%) in urban regions versus 43/79 (54.4%) in rural/mixed-urban regions (p<0.05), but was not associated with any other demographic. Eighty-nine (38.9%) of those aware of their hypertension had adequately controlled blood pressure when evaluated, and this did not differ based on reported medication use. We were able to determine the actual medications used in 91 of the 152 (59.9%). Seven people were on dual therapy, the remainder were on monotherapy. Calcium channel blockers (54, 59.3%) and ACE inhibitors (36, 39.6%) were the most common therapies. Conclusions: Undiagnosed hypertension remains a major health problem in the Da Nang province of Viet Nam. The vast majority of those aware of their hypertension were receiving at least some level of behavioral modification with a smaller, but substantial, majority receiving medications. Screening programs focused on young and poor men may be a rich target for improving hypertension control in Viet Nam.

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Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinaemia and Associated Factors among Ethiopian Adult Population in a 2015 National Survey

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/9210261 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Feyissa Challa ◽

Tigist Getahun ◽

Meron Sileshi ◽

Bikila Nigassie ◽

Zeleke Geto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Adult Population ◽

Noncommunicable Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Steps Survey ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for major cardiovascular diseases, but data on the prevalence and predictors of HHcy in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia are scant. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HHcy and associated risk factors in the Ethiopian adult population. A cross-sectional survey on risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) using the STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey was conducted between April and June 2015. A total of 4,175 study participants were surveyed. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) and metabolic profile were determined using Cobas Integra 400 Plus and CardioChek PA analyzer, respectively. Factors associated with HHcy were determined using logistic regression. The mean serum tHcy concentration was 14.6 μmol/L, with 16.4 μmol/L in males and 13.4 μmol/L in females. Overall, 38% had HHcy, with figures in males (49%) higher than females (30%). Increased age, being male, and high blood pressure and/or taking blood pressure medication, as well as low consumption of fruit and/or vegetables, were independent risk factors for HHcy. In conclusion, the prevalence of HHcy among the adult Ethiopian population is alarmingly high. Improving diets through the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption is needed to reduce the risk of NCDs.

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Risk Factors for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Preschool Children Living in Farmland, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/6706413 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Sri Novianty ◽

Yazid Dimyati ◽

Syahril Pasaribu ◽

Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Hand Washing ◽

World Health ◽

Life Strategy ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis

Background. Disease burden from soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is mainly attributed to its chronic and insidious impact on health and quality of life. Strategy recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) to control it was previously focused on school-aged children, but now preschool-aged children are involved. This study was intended to determine STH infection risk factors in preschool children.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Suka Village, North Sumatera, Indonesia, from October to December 2016. Subjects were children aged 1 to 5 years without history of taking antihelminthic. Subjects were obtained by consecutive sampling. Demographic data and risk factors for helminthiasis were collected using questionnaire-based interview. Subjects were divided into two groups, positive and negative STH infection, based on Kato Katz method. Analysis was done using chi-square and logistic regression test.pvalue < 0.05 was considered significant.Results. We enrolled 90 subjects in this study, with the mean age being 31.7 months. STH infection prevalence was 34.4%. Statistical analysis revealed that mother/caregiver hand washing habit (p=0.007), mother/caregiver nail trimming habit (p=0.018), and children nail trimming habit (p=0.022) were significant risk factors for STH infection.Conclusion. Mother/caregiver hand washing habit is the most influential risk factor for STH infection in preschool children.

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Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Hypertension ◽

10.1155/2019/9878437 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hirbo Shore Roba ◽

Addisu Shunu Beyene ◽

Melkamu Merid Mengesha ◽

Behailu Hawulte Ayele

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eastern Ethiopia ◽

Dire Dawa ◽

Study Setting

Background. Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that is linked with fatal complications and is an overwhelming global challenge. Primary prevention is a key to control hypertension with identification of major risk factors. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 903 adults aged 25 to 64 years in Dire Dawa City, East Ethiopia. Data were collected using World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) for non-communicable disease (NCD) standard survey tool. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify relative effects of distal, proximal, and immediate risk factors of hypertension, and all statistical tests were declared significantly at P-value<0.05. Results. The average SBP and DBP were 124.98±17.18 mmHg and 78.92±10.13 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.43% (95% CI: 21.57, 27.28). Majority (51.64%) of adults were not aware of their elevated blood pressure status. hypertension was significantly associated with the age group 30-44 (aOR 3.61, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.55), 45-54 (aOR 5.36, 95% CI: 2.62, 10.91), and 55-64 (aOR 9.38, 95% CI: 4.73, 18.59), being unemployed (aOR 1.68, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.77), ever smoking (aOR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.23), having abdominal obesity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.64), and BMI≥25 kg/m2 (aOR 1.48, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.15). Conclusion. Moderately high prevalence of hypertension was observed among adults in study setting demonstrating a major public health problem. Majority of adults with hypertension in study setting were not aware of their elevated BP status highlighting the burden of the hidden morbidity and subsequent complications. Community level intervention and routine assessment of sociodemographic, behavioral, and biophysiological risk factors, screening, and diagnosis of NCDs should be institutionalized to address the occult burden.

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Disease burden and associated risk factors for metabolic syndrome among adults in Ethiopia

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-019-1201-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Samrawit Solomon ◽

Wudeneh Mulugeta

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Low Income ◽

Disease Burden ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

World Health ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are alarmingly increasing in low-income countries. Yet, very limited is known about the prevalence and risk factors associated with MetS in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult outpatients (N = 325) at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted in accordance with STEPwise approach of the World Health Organization. MetS was defined using modified National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results The overall prevalence of MetS was 20.3%. Among the 325 participants, 76.9% had at least one MetS components. Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most common MetS component at 48.6%, followed by elevated blood pressure at 36.3%, and elevated fasting glucose at 32.6%. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–12.04), Amhara ethnicity (OR = 2.36; 95%CI = 1.14–4.88), overweight status (OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 1.03–4.71), higher income (OR = 3.31; 95%CI = 1.11–9.84) and higher education levels (OR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.05–4.59) were risk factors for MetS. Conclusion The disease burden of MetS among Ethiopians is high, and is associated with age, weight, income, education and ethnicity. Comprehensive screening and assessment of MetS is needed along with effective preventive and treatment strategies in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia.

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The prevalence, awareness, management and control of hypertension in men and women in Benin, West Africa: the TAHES study

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-019-01273-7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ileana Desormais ◽

Salimanou Ariyoh Amidou ◽

Yessito Corine Houehanou ◽

Stephan Dismand Houinato ◽

Gwladys Nadia Gbagouidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Large Population ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Rural Setting ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Due to epidemiological transitions, Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Among their risk factors, hypertension is a major determinant of CVDs, but the prevalence and level of awareness and management of this condition are poorly studied in African populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify its associated risk factors as well as the awareness and management of this condition in a community-dwelling cohort in Benin. Methods A cross-sectional door-to-door study was conducted in the population over the age of 25 years in Tanve, a rural setting in Benin. The questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of the World Health Organization STEPWISE survey were used. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedures. Results The sample included 1777 subjects (60.9% females, mean age was 42.5 ± 16.5 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 32.9%, similar in men (32.8%) and women (33.0%, p = 0.9342). Age and obesity were significantly associated with hypertension. Less than half (42%) of hypertensive people were aware about their condition and only 46.3% of them were treated. Awareness ratios differed between men and women (respectively 32.9% vs. 47.5%; p = 0.0039) and was not influenced by age, education, occupation, marital status or income. Female sex was the only factor associated with better controlled HTN, independent of socio-economic parameters. Conclusion This large population-based study confirms the high prevalence, low awareness, and low control of hypertension in men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Only half of the populations with hypertension are aware of their hypertension, indicating a high burden of undiagnosed and un-controlled high blood pressure in these populations.

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Prevalence and Risk factors of Infertility in a Mongolian Population

10.21203/rs.3.rs-48018/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tuvshinbayar Negdel ◽

Khishigjargal Ulziisaikhan ◽

Davaakhuu Sengebaljir ◽

Arigbukh Enkhbat ◽

Badrakh Munkhbayar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Population Based ◽

Capital City ◽

World Health ◽

Secondary Infertility ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Infertile Patients

Abstract Background Worldwide, the median prevalence of infertility is 9%, but rates in different countries vary from 3.5–16.7%. Infertility, which is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse, is not considered a medical condition but carries a social stigma and can greatly impact a couple’s self-esteem and wellbeing. There are a number of risk factors associated with infertility such as: genetic background, age, socio-economic factors, and health care including treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. We have achieved the first population-based study on the prevalence of infertility in reproductive aged women in Mongolia, and the factors that influence it. Method: We conducted a population-based, cross sectional study in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar: East, West, Central Khangai, Central, and Ulaanbaatar. Our questionnaire consisted of categories that influenced infertility such as: socio-economic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status and sexual function. Trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants. Results A total of 1,920 couples residing in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar were studied. The median prevalence rate was 7.2%, which is similar to the worldwide infertility rate of 9%. Primary and secondary infertility was 2.5% and 5% respectively. Sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) contributed to secondary infertility. Our study showed that the most important risk factors for infertility were rural living and low levels of education. Only 14.8% of infertile patients received hormone therapy, and even fewer infertile patients (0.8%) received in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Conclusions Our study shows that two most significant risk factors for infertility were: reliving in rural communities and having a low level of education. Occupational conditions, and monthly household income were not significant risk factors for infertility. Since this is the first population-based study in Mongolia we were not able to measure trends in infertility prevalence but intend to do so in the future.

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The Prevalence, Awareness, Management and Control of Hypertension in Men and Women in Benin, West Africa: the TAHES study.

10.21203/rs.2.14078/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

ILEANA DESORMAIS ◽

Salimanou Ariyoh Amidou ◽

Yessito Corine Houehanou ◽

Stephan Dismand Houinato ◽

Gwladys Nadia Gbagouidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Large Population ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Rural Setting ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), due to epidemiological transitions. Among their risk factors, hypertension is a major determinant of CVDs, but the prevalence and level of awareness and management of this condition are poorly studied in African populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify its associated risk factors as well as the awareness and management of this condition in a community-dwelling cohort in Benin. Methods A cross-sectional door-to-door study was conducted in the population over the age of 25 years in Tanve, a rural setting in Benin. The questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of the World Health Organization STEPWISE survey were used. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedures. Results The sample included 1777 subjects (60.9% females, mean age was 42.5±16.5 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 32.9%, similar in men (32.8%) and women (33.0%, p=0.9342). Age and obesity were significantly associated with hypertension. Less than half (42%) of hypertensive people were aware about their condition and only 46.3% of them were treated. Awareness ratios differed between men and women (respectively 32.9% vs. 47.5%; p= 0.0039) and was not influenced by age, education, occupation, marital status or income. Female sex was the only factor associated with better controlled HTN, independent of socio-economic parameters. Conclusion This large population-based study confirms the high prevalence, low awareness, and low control of hypertension in men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Only half of the populations with hypertension are aware of their hypertension, indicating a high burden of undiagnosed and un-controlled high blood pressure in these populations.

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