Blood pressure pattern and prevalence of hypertension in a rural community in Edo State

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Udo, a rural community in Ovia South-west LGA of Edo state to screen for hypertension and determine blood pressure pattern. Cluster sampling method was used in selecting participants. Data collection was by researcher-administered questionnaire. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were determined. A total of 590 respondents with mean age 30.7 ± 14.6 years participated in the study. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 122.08 ± 15.42 mmHg and 79.54 ± 11.55 mmHg, respectively and increased with age. Males had significantly higher mean SBP and DBP than the females (p < 0.001). Prevalence of hypertension was 20.2%, increased significantly with age and was higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). This study revealed that hypertension is a problem even in the rural areas. Therefore need for intervention programmes targeted at non-communicable diseases like hypertension which is usually symptomless. Departments of Community Health and Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin-city, Edo state Nigeria. Correspondence to: Dr. V. O. Omuemu e-mail: [email protected]