Assessment of The Environmental Health Risk Factors Associated with The Prevalence of Hypertension Disorder Among Patients Attending the Civil Service Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State

Hypertension remains one of the most widespread non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally and continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Its development and persistence are influenced not only by genetic and lifestyle factors but also by environmental health determinants such as air and noise pollution, poor housing quality, sanitation challenges, and exposure to psychosocial stressors. This study examined the environmental health risk factors associated with the prevalence of hypertension among adult patients attending the Civil Service Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed, and a total of 250 adult participants (aged 18 years and above) were selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and environmental exposures; clinical blood pressure measurements using a standard sphygmomanometer; and an observation checklist assessing the participants’ housing conditions, water quality, and noise exposure. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and logistic regression) using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Findings revealed that 58.6% of hypertensive participants were aware of their condition, indicating moderate awareness compared to regional studies but still below global recommendations for hypertension control. Analysis further showed that non-modifiable factors such as age, gender, and family history significantly influenced hypertension prevalence (p < 0.05). Additionally, modifiable environmental factors including poor housing ventilation, inadequate sanitation, noise pollution, overcrowding, and exposure to air pollution were statistically associated with increased hypertension risk (p < 0.05). Lifestyle-related variables—such as high dietary salt intake, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption—also contributed notably to elevated blood pressure levels. The study concludes that hypertension among adults in Ilorin is a multifactorial condition strongly shaped by both environmental and behavioral determinants. It underscores the critical need for integrated public health interventions that combine environmental improvement with lifestyle modification strategies. Recommendations include conducting longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships, implementing urban–rural comparative assessments to understand geographic variations, and developing community-based health education programs to increase awareness and promote preventive practices. Strengthening environmental health policies, enhancing urban planning, and enforcing pollution control regulations are essential to mitigating hypertension risks and improving population health outcomes in Ilorin and similar urban settings.