Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Public Servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020.

BACKGROUND

The leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability worldwide is hypertension. Globally, 31.1% of adults (1.39 billion people) have hypertension and 9.4 million deaths are recorded annually, accounting for 13% of overall mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among public servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 public servants. To classify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression, a binary logistic regression model was applied. In order to analyze factors associated with hypertension among participants, all variables with a P-value<0.2 were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. In order to determine statistical significance, a p value of less than 0.05 was taken. The assumptions of Chi square and multi-collinearity were verified. For model fitness, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit was checked.

RESULTS

The total hypertension rate was 27.6% (95% CI: 24.1-31.3). The prevalence was higher in males 129 (32.5%) than in females 444 (19.1%). History of diabetes mellitus (AOR= 9.64, 95% CI: 3.20-29.30), age >35 years (AOR= 2.94, 95% CI: 1.91-4.51) and body mass index 25kg/m2 and above (AOR= 3.44, 95% CI: 2.21-5.34) have been found to be separately associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Among public servants in the study setting (study area), hypertension has become a major public health issue. Half of the newly reported cases is hypertensive. The conclusion of this study calls for a more holistic approach to hypertension in terms of hypertension prevention, screening, and proper management.