Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Associated Factors of Atrial Fibrillation Among Hypertensive Patients at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Background: Studies in various contexts have shown that atrial fibrillation (AF) among hypertensive patients varies in prevalence, clinical features, and associated factors. However, in Uganda, including Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FPRRH), there is limited data on these aspects. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical features, and associated factors of AF among hypertensive patients attending FPRRH. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical outpatient clinic of FPRRH from October 2022 to January 2023. Hypertensive patients were consecutively enrolled during clinic visits. Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics were collected. AF prevalence was calculated as the proportion of hypertensive patients diagnosed with AF, and logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Variables with p < 0.2, odds ratios ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5, or biological plausibility were included in the multivariable model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 15.2. Findings: Among 140 hypertensive patients, the prevalence of AF was 10% (n = 14). Most AF patients presented with fatigue (71.4%) and palpitations (71.4%), 28.6% reported syncope, while physical inactivity (29.3%). Physical inactivity (Adjusted Odds Ratio - AOR = 16.3, 95% CI: 2.15– 64.30, p = 0.007) and abnormal pulse rates, low (AOR = 9.5, CI: 1.57– 36.02, p = 0.008) and high (AOR = 8.7, CI: 2.21– 25.09, p = 0.007), were significantly associated with AF. Conclusion: The prevalence of AF at FPRRH was 10%, higher than in many regional studies. Fatigue and palpitations were the most common symptoms. Physical inactivity and abnormal pulse rates were key predictors. Routine screening, promotion of moderate physical activity, and early pulse monitoring are essential to reduce AF burden in hypertensive populations. Keywords: atrial fibrillation, hypertension, prevalence, fatigue, palpitations