Frequency of high blood pressure among the adult population in kebi state

This Article evaluated the prevalence of High Blood Pressure and its Associated Factors among the Adult in an outpatient clinics in Kebbi State Nigeria. Hypertension, the silent killer, remains a major global health challenge in this 21st century despite advancements in technology and increasingly available therapeutic options. According to a new report from the World Health Organization, Hypertension is now the number 1 risk factor for premature death worldwide. It is preventable, controllable, and treatable, yet, a major threat to human survival at the global level. It affects more than one billion people and acts as the most prevalent risk factor for global mortality, with the highest prevalence of 27% in the WHO African Region. Nigeria, the most populous country in this region, contributes enormously to this burden. The rate is surging high as people gain more access to fast foods and live more sedentary lifestyles.This exploratory study is therefore aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among the adult population in Kebbi State. The state is in the northwest region, which has one of the highest natality and mortality rate in Nigeria. Knowing the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in this small unit of the country will inform the government on the development of an appropriate measure for its effective management. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 270 Hospital outpatient attendees in Kebbi State. Participants were selected by simple random sampling, and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data over a period of three (3) months. Standardized and calibrated instruments were also used to measure the systotic and diastolic blood pressure, and other anthropometric variables such as height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and multiple body composition indices. Logistic regression analysis was conducted and statistical significance was declared at a p-value ≤0.05. Descriptive statistical techniques and correlation techniques that include correlation analysis, ANOVA and regression analysis were used to analyse the information. Data analysis by Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.0 revealed a prevalence of 28.9%. This is a signal of a hidden epidemic that requires intense public enlightenment on healthy lifestyles, enhanced Community screening programs, early detection through regular checkups, and a review of current guidelines on the management of hypertension. Age, BMI, and level of education were the three factors identified in this study as having enough covariates to predict hypertension. Lifestyle modification in the form of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits would reduce hypertension and its consequent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Kebbi State, northwestern region of Nigeria.