scholarly journals The prevalence of hypertension and influencing factors among the employees of a university hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1725-33
Author(s):  
Seher Kurtul ◽  
Funda Kaya Ak ◽  
Meral Türk

Background: Hypertension is a serious disease with increasing worldwide prevalence, leading to life-threatening complica- tions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a university hospital. The Occupational Health and Safety Unit data concerning the health examinations of employees were used to determine the prevalence of hypertension in a university hospital and to define the relationship between hypertension and sociodemographic and occupational parameters. Logistic regression analyses were performed for the variables having a significant association with high blood pressure. Results: The data generated during the periodic examination of 3,480 (92%) of all employees (3,780) were analyzed. The prevalence of hypertension was 14.8%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 13.5%, 13.9%, and 23.7% among physicians, non-physician healthcare personnel and officers respectively. The logistic regression model revealed a statistically significant correlation between hypertension and male gender, age and BMI. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was highest among staff members. Special programs would facilitate the diagnosis, control, and prevention of high blood pressure among the high-risk groups, especially men, the elderly and the obese hospital employees. Keywords: Hypertension; hospital; health care worker.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mussa K. Nsanya ◽  
Philip Ayieko ◽  
Ramadhan Hashim ◽  
Ezekiel Mgema ◽  
Daniel Fitzgerald ◽  
...  

AbstractEstimates for prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) among adolescents in Africa vary widely and few studies, if any, have documented the results of the recommended stepwise BP screening. In this cross-sectional study in Tanzania, we aimed to estimate prevalence of sustained high BP in 3 public secondary schools using the American Academy of Pediatrics BP screening strategy. On Day 1, one screening automated office BP (AOBP) measurement (Step 1) was followed by two more AOBP measurements (Step 2). Repeat AOBP measurements were obtained after about one month on adolescents with high AOBP measurements on Day 1 (Step 3). Participants with sustained high BP underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (step 4). Of all 500 enrolled participants, the prevalence of high blood pressure at each step in the process was 36.6% (183), 25.6% (128), 10.2% (51), and 2.6%(13) respectively for Steps 1–4. All except 6 students completed all 4 steps of the BP screening algorithm as indicated. We conclude that diagnosis of hypertension in African adolescents should use multiple AOBP measurements over multiple days followed by 24-h ABPM. Screening for high BP in school settings appears to be feasible and could provide a platform for cardiovascular disease education and health promotion.


Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
Silvia Portero de la Cruz ◽  
Jesús Cebrino

Influenza is a significant public health problem and the elderly are at a greater risk of contracting the disease. The vaccination coverage of the elderly is below the Spanish target of 65% for each influenza season. The aims of this study were to report the coverage of influenza vaccination in Spain among the population aged ≥65 years and high-risk groups for suffering chronic diseases, to analyze the time trends from 2006 to 2017 and to identify the factors which affect vaccination coverage. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted including 20,753 non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥65 years who had participated in the Spanish National Health Surveys in 2006, 2011/2012, and 2017. Sociodemographic, health-related variables, and influenza vaccination data were used. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination coverage was 60%. By chronic condition, older people with high cholesterol levels and cancer had the lowest vaccination coverage (62.41% and 60.73%, respectively). This coverage declined from 2006 to 2017 in both groups. Higher influenza vaccination was associated with males, Spanish nationality, normal social support perceived, polypharmacy, worse perceived health, participation in other preventive measures, and increasing age and the number of chronic diseases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda A. Fondjo ◽  
Vivian E. Boamah ◽  
Adelaide Fierti ◽  
Dorcas Gyesi ◽  
Eddie-Williams Owiredu

Abstract Background Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (< 60%), moderate (60–80%) and high (80–100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%). Results The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (> 35 years old) [cOR = 3.09, 95%CI (0.88–10.88), p = 0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR = 4.45, 95%CI (2.18–9.10), p < 0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.31–6.30), p = 0.008]. Conclusion The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-351
Author(s):  
Figen Alp Yilmaz ◽  
Yeter Durgun Ozan

PurposeThe impact of birth beliefs on pregnancy and delivery are universally recognized, but the factors that affect birth beliefs vary across regions depending on individual and cultural characteristics. This study aimed to determine women's birth beliefs and examine their associated factors.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 548 primiparas in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital located in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey from February to June 2019. Descriptive characteristics, form and the Birth Beliefs Scale were used in data collection. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, T-tests and ANOVA analyses were used.FindingsIt was determined that factors such as age group, income level, any problems during pregnancy and preferred delivery mode statistically affected women's birth beliefs.Originality/valueBased on the findings from this study, healthcare personnel should provide training and consultation services to pregnant women starting from the prenatal period to help ensure a positive labor experience.


Author(s):  
Xijie Wang ◽  
Yanhui Dong ◽  
Zhiyong Zou ◽  
Jun Ma ◽  
Zhaogeng Yang ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the relationship between low birthweight (LBW) and blood pressure and to assess whether LBW leads to a higher risk of high blood pressure (HBP) by gender in Chinese students aged 6–18 years. Also, to investigate whether the association was affected by childhood obesity. Methods: Data was obtained from a baseline dataset of a national school-based program. Anthropometric parameters, including height, weight, and blood pressure, were measured, while birthweight and other characteristics were obtained from questionnaires. Stratified chi-squared tests were used to compare the prevalence of HBP between LBW and normal birthweight (NBW) groups in each age and sex category. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to estimate the HBP risks in each birthweight group. Results: Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a U-shaped relationship with increased birthweight. Compared to NBW groups, LBW girls showed a higher HBP risk, with an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.64, p = 0.033), regardless of their current body mass index status, while no significant association in boys was found. Conclusions: Low birthweight is associated with higher HBP risk in adolescent girls, regardless of their childhood BMI status.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e031660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-An Lin ◽  
Ying-Jen Chen ◽  
Yu-Chung Tsao ◽  
Wei-Chung Yeh ◽  
Wen-Cheng Li ◽  
...  

ObjectiveObesity and hypertension (HTN) have become increasingly prevalent in Taiwan. People with obesity are more likely to have HTN. In this study, we evaluated several anthropometric measurements for the prediction of HTN in middle-aged and elderly populations in Taiwan.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingCommunity-based investigation in Guishan Township of northern Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 396 people were recruited from a northern Taiwan community for a cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured at the annual health exam. The obesity indices included body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF) percentage and waist circumference (WC).Outcome measuresStatistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation, multiple logistic regression and the area under ROC curves (AUCs) between HTN and anthropometric measurements, were used in this study.ResultsOf the 396 people recruited, 200 had HTN. The age-adjusted Pearson’s coefficients of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 0.23 (p<0.001), 0.14 (p=0.01) and 0.26 (p<0.001), respectively. Multiple logistic regression of the HTN-related obesity indices showed that the ORs of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 1.15 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.23, p<0.001), 1.07 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p<0.001) and 1.06 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.08, p<0.001), respectively. The AUCs of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 0.626 (95% CI 0.572 to 0.681, p<0.001), 0.556 (95% CI 0.500 to 0.613, p=0.052) and 0.640 (95% CI 0.586 to 0.694, p<0.001), respectively.ConclusionsWC is a more reliable predictor of HTN than BMI or BF percentage. The effect of abdominal fat distribution on blood pressure is greater than that of total BF amount.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Breno de Sousa Santana ◽  
Bárbara Soares Rodrigues ◽  
Marina Morato Stival ◽  
Cris Renata Grou Volpe

Abstract Objective: to analyze blood pressure control in elderly hypertensives accompanied by a Basic Health Unit of the Federal District, determining the sociodemographic profile and the associated risk factors. Method: this is a cross-sectional study with 133 elderly hypertensive patients. Variables related to sociodemographic factors, life habits, clinical factors and adherence to drug therapy were evaluated through the application of semistructured instruments and validated scales. Results with p <0.05 were considered significant. Results: the elderly presented controlled blood pressure (56.4%) predominantly. The majority of the participants were female and women also had a higher rate of uncontrolled blood pressure (86.2%). Older age was associated with higher blood pressure values (p = 0.031). Alcoholism (p = 0.020) and mean body mass index of 33.0 (p <0.000) were factors associated with hypertension adherence to therapy had more controlled values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion and implications for the practice: it was verified that there is a strong association between the risk factors discussed and the lack of control of the blood pressure of elderly hypertensive, especially with regard to advanced age, alcoholism, obesity and overweight, and it is necessary to reorient the planning and strategies of promotion of health and prevention of diseases directed at the elderly hypertensive in the scope of primary health care.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kidest Wondiye ◽  
Netsanet Abera Asseffa ◽  
Tsegaye Demisse Gemebo ◽  
Feleke Hailemichael Astawesegn

Abstract Background In any society, the elderly are among the vulnerable and high risk groups with regard to health status. In persons over the age of 60 years, nutrition is among the important determinants of health. However, undernutrition among the elderly is often under diagnosed and/or neglected. Hence, in this study, we looked at prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among the elderly. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sodo Zuriya district. Multi-stage systematic sampling method was used to select 578 elderly. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, dietary diversity, and health status of the elderly. Measurements of weight and height were taken using digital weighing scale and stadio-meter, respectively. Data was entered and cleaned in Epi-Data version3.1and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were done and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 17.1%. On multivariate logistic regression, being unable to read and write (AOR = 2.09), not being married (AOR = 2.02), history of decline in food intake (AOR = 2.1), smoking (AOR = 4.9) and monthly income <$20 (AOR = 7.5) were factors positively associated with undernutrition. Conclusion The study revealed that prevalence of undernutrition in the district was relatively high. Hence, it is among the major public health burdens in the district. Hence, to improve nutritional status of elderly the district health office and health professionals should consider behavioral support interventions to assist in cessation of smoking. There is also a need to financially empower the elderly in the district.


2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1457
Author(s):  
Aline Do Nascimento Silva ◽  
Eduardo Tavares Gomes ◽  
Renata Livia Alves de Souza Melo ◽  
Rutheanne Melo de Siqueira ◽  
Lucileide Silva Fonteles

ABSTRACTObjective: to elucidate the situation of the notification of cases of violence in a university in a university hospital in Recife at the beginning of training actions and professional awareness of this issue. Method: an observational cross-sectional study as conducted. Data collection was done through referrals made to the Social Service of Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco (HC/UFPE), by reports of professional by itself, a recording instrument from the hospital and copies of the notification form of cases. The project was approved by the Ethics Research Center of Health Sciences of the Federal University of Pernambuco/UFPE with protocol number 13/10. All cases were considered of September 2006, when began using the Notification Form from the Ministry of Health until December 2008. Results: the most notification was cases against the child (n=20, 46,51%), while there isn’t registration of cases against the elderly. Professionals who often made the notification were doctors (n=22, 51.16%) and psychologists (n=12, 27,91%). The Notification Form was used in only 41,86% of cases. Conclusion: the data underscore the under-reporting. Further research should verify the cause of poor service (lack of commitment, lack of specific training, among others) so that they can perform actions to make better situation. Descriptors: violence; epidemiology; public health; mandatory reporting.RESUMOObjetivo: elucidar a situação da notificação dos casos de violência em um hospital universitário do Recife no inicio das ações de capacitação e sensibilização dos profissionais para essa questão. Método: foi realizado um estudo observacional do tipo corte transversal. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir dos encaminhamentos realizados para o Serviço Social do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco/HC/UFPE por meio de relatórios dos profissionais, instrumento de registro próprio do hospital e cópias das Fichas de Notificação dos casos. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Centro de Ciências da Saúde/UFPE com número de protocolo 13/10. Foram considerados todos os casos de setembro de 2006, quando iniciou o uso da Ficha de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde até dezembro 2008. Resultados: a maior notificação foi de casos contra à criança (n=20, 46,51%), ao passo que não consta registro de casos contra idosos. Os profissionais que mais notificaram foram os médicos (n=22, 51,16%) e os psicólogos (n=12, 27,91%). A Ficha de Notificação foi usada em apenas 41,86% dos casos. Conclusão: os dados ressaltam a sub-notificação. Pesquisas posteriores devem verificar a causa da pouca notificação (falta de compromisso, falta de formação específica, entre outras), para que se possam realizar medidas para melhorar o quadro. Descritores: violência; epidemiologia; saúde pública; notificação de abuso.RESUMENObjetivo: conocer la situación de la notificación de casos de violencia en un hospital universitario en Recife al inicio de las acciones de formación y sensibilización del profesional de esta cuestión. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal. Recolección de datos se realiza através de consultas que el Servicio Social del Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad Federal de Pernambuco/HC/UFPE por los informes de profesionales de por sí, un instrumento de registro del hospital y copia del Formulario de Notificación de los casos. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Centro de Ética de la Investigación de las Ciencias de la Salud/UFPE com el número de protocolo 13/10.  Se consideraron todos los casos de septiembre de 2006, cuando comenzó a usar el Formulario de Notificación del Ministerio de Salud hasta diciembre de 2008. Resultados: la mayoría de los casos de notificación fue contra el niño (n=20, 46,51%), mientras que no hay registro de casos en contra de los ancianos. Los profesionales que a menudo hace la notificación eran médicos (n=22, 51,16%) y los psicólogos (n=12, 27,91%).  El Formulario de Notificación se utilizó en sólo 41,86% de los casos. Conclusión: los datos ponen de relieve la subnotificación. Las investigations futuras deberían verificar la causa de la notificación de baja (falta de compromiso, la falta de formación específica, entre otros) de modo que puedan llevar a cabo acciones para mejorar la situación. Descriptores: violencia; epidemiología; salud pública; notificatión obligatoria. 


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