Prevalence and Practices Relating to Hypertension among Rural Dwellers in Oka Community Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area in Edo State

Abstract

Context: The increase in the adult population, and change in the lifestyle of Nigerians, the burden of hypertension (HTN) may continue to increase as time unfolds.
Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, prevalence, and practices relating to HTN among rural dwellers.
Settings and Design: The study was carried out in the Oka community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, using descriptive cross-sectional study design.
Materials and Methods: A sample size of 260 was obtained using the formula for estimating a sample size of an unknown population based on an average prevalence rate from six studies. A self‑structured questionnaire and blood pressure apparatus served as an instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability with a Cronbach coefficient of 0.82, 0.79 and 0.90.
Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.
Results: The result from the study shows that 246 (94.6%) have heard of HTN, and the prevalence of HTN among the respondents was found to be 47.7%. However the level of knowledge about HTN is very low as 238 (91.5%) of the respondents have poor knowledge. Practices
increasing the risk for HTN include adding raw slat to food on the table (2.000), consumption of fatty foods (2.000), not performing the
exercise (2.025) and sniffing of tobacco (2.025).
Conclusions: The multivariate binary logistic regression showed that sex, age, marital status and occupation are significantly associated with
practice relating to HTN. The study, therefore, recommends regular exercises among the rural dwellers and awareness campaign is needed to
enlighten the rural dwellers on the causes and prevention of HTN.