ASSESSMENT OF MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG PATIENTS VISITING MEDICAL OPD OF ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Abstract Back ground-Hypertension is an elevation of blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg. Hypertension has two major classifications, which are primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. The magnitude of hypertension is increasing in Africa in general and Ethiopia specifically. Despite this increase in hypertension magnitude trend there are only few studies done in Ethiopia. Objective- To assess magnitude and associated risk factors of hypertension among patients who visited medical OPD of SPHMMC during April 3 to May 12, 2017. Methods- The study was conducted at SPHMMC medical OPD. An institutional based cross sectional study design was used to conduct the study among patients attending SPHMMC medical OPD from April 3- May 12, 2017. One hundred ninety-one (191) patients visiting medical OPD was selected using systemic random sampling. Data was collected by using structured, pretested questionnaire which was adapted from previous studies and modified. The collected data was entered to SPSS 22.0 version. Different sociodemographic variables were analyzed. Possible associated factors were analyzed for possible association using cross tabulation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results was presented in tables and graphs. Result: The prevalence of hypertension is 27.7% of whom 35(66%) were male and 18 were females. Above two-third were known hypertensives (36) and 23 of them were taking anti-hypertensive medications. Age, family history, DM and BMI of the respondents were found to have statistically significant association. Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of hypertension is increasing probably due to the change in the life style of the population and lack of due attention from authorities. Therefore, there should be regular health education to the societies regarding the modifiable risk factors and nation-wide interventions for early detection and treatment hypertension. Key words: Hypertension, SPHMMC, Magnitude, Risk factors