Prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among university staff: a cross-sectional study at the University of Juba, South Sudan.

INTRODUCTION

hypertension refers to an average systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. In South Sudan, published evidence on the disease is scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among the University of Juba staff.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study among 409 University of Juba staff was conducted. Data collection used a structured questionnaire and blood pressure measurements and body weight were made using a Littman Stethoscope Classic III, mercurial sphygmomanometer and weighing scale fitted with a stadiometer, respectively. Sample was estimated using Cochran´s formula. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained from the College of Medicine and the University of Juba Directorate of Research and Publication. Permission was also obtained from each college and informed consent from each respondent. The software Epidata Manager 4.6.0.6 and IBM SPSS 23.0 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Descriptive statistics, chi squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to explore factors associated with hypertension.

RESULTS

out of 409 participants, the majority were aged 28-37 (n=147) years, more than two thirds (n=260) were males, the prevalence of hypertension was 24%. At 95% confidence interval, significantly associated risk factors were age (aOR: 5.86, 95% CI: 2.51-13.70; P<0.001), alcohol consumption (AOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.16-4.17; P=0.016) and body mass index ≥ 25 (AOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.41-4.14; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

close to a quarter of the University of Juba staff is hypertensive. Age, alcohol consumption and increased body mass index were significantly associated with the disease. The study recommends tailored preventive interventions against hypertension at the university.