Behavioural and social-demographic risk factors associated with hypertension among low income adultsin Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and a leading risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death. There is limited data on community-based prevalence of behavioural CVD risk levels among adults in Kiambu County. The objectives of this study were to; estimate the prevalence of hypertension among low income adults in selected wards; determine social and demographic characteristics associated with hypertension; assess the lifestyle factors associated with hypertension and determine the dietary factors associated with hypertension among low-income adults in Kiambu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study design was used. The study population was adults in Juja and Ruiru wards in Kiambu County. A sample of 308 was determined using Fishers formula. Multistage sampling was used to select the participants. Data were collected using adapted questionnaires. Stata statistical package version 18 was used for data entry and analysis. Categorical data was analysed and reported in frequency and percentages while continuous data was analysed using measures of central tendencies and dispersion where mean and range were reported. Bivariate analysis of risk factors was done using Chi square test as a measure of association and the statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with high blood pressure. A total of 308 participants took part in the study. Majority (75.6%) were female and participants‘ mean age was 45.3 years. Results showed 31.5% of participants had high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). Social-demographic characteristics associated with hypertension included male gender (AOR=2.33; 95% CI 1.09 - 4.99), older age groups (AOR=3.1-11.3 p<0.05) and history of hypertension (AOR= 10.59; 95% CI 5.06- 22.13). Lifestyle factors associated with hypertension were, alcohol consumption (AOR=3.3; 95% CI 1.66-6.57), being physically active (AOR=0.51; 95% CI 0.28-0.90), being overweight (AOR=5.4; 95% CI 2.91-10.01) and obese (AOR=13.4; 95% CI 5.21-34.26). Dietary factors associated with hypertension were eating fruits daily (AOR=0.5; 95% CI 0.25-0.96) and rarely (AOR=0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.51/ never (AOR=0.11; 95% CI 0.03-0.41) and adding raw salt to food while eating. In conclusion, the prevalence of hypertension among the participants was high at 31.5%. Socio-demographic characteristic including male sex, increasing age and having family history of hypertension were associated with greater odds of being hypertensive. Similarly, lifestyle factors associated with increased of odds of being hypertensive were alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and being obese. Eating fruits daily and avoiding raw salt were protective dietary factors against hypertension. The county department of health through the community health workers should educate the community members on healthy diet and healthy lifestyle choices for control of blood pressure such physical activity and avoiding alcohol consumption.