Prevalence of Hypertension across Geopolitical Zones in Rivers State Residents

Background: Hypertension, the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and death globally, is significantly influenced by environmental factors. Despite numerous studies on the state and regional prevalence of hypertension, few have examined these statistics among different ethnic groups within cities. This study aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension across geopolitical lines in the same resident. Method: This two-year cross-sectional study in Rivers State, aimed at assessing hypertension prevalence among various geopolitical zones. Individuals aged 18 and above had their blood pressure measured. Trained interviewers collected demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and blood pressure readings. Hypertension was defined according to the 2013 guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology. Descriptive statistics and subgroup analyses were used to summarize and explore variations in hypertension prevalence across different communities and geopolitical zones. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was received, and participant confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. Results: One thousand, one hundred and sixteen people (1116) participated in the survey. 469(42.06%) males. The overall prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 30.7%. The prevalence was higher in the urban community 35.17, in indigenes from the south-south geopolitical zone 33.97%, in the males 33.5%, and in the married population 35.04%. Conclusion: The etiology of hypertension is multifactorial, place of residence and interplay with ethnicity, may be as crucial as ethnicity and genetics. Notable differences were observed among rivers state residents from South-Eastern zone compared to those in their native states, suggesting the role of diet, lifestyle, and social factors.