Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among adults attending hospitals in Arsi, Oromia, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study

Background: Hypertension is a leading global cause of premature cardiovascular death, increasingly affecting low- and middle-income nations. In Ethiopia, especially in cities, its growing impact is worsened by limited public awareness, insufficient treatment and poor disease management, resulting in high levels of sickness and death and marked disparities between regions. Aim: This study aimed to determine and describe the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among adults attending hospitals in the Arsi zone. Setting: The study setting was the adult outpatient department of Arsi Zone Hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 840 respondents using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Respondents were selected through a multistage probability sampling technique. Data were analysed in SPSS version 29. Validity and reliability were ensured, and ethical considerations were adhered to. Results: Hypertension prevalence was 28.7%. Multivariate analysis identified significantly higher odds among adults aged 45–70 years, current smokers, alcohol users and those consuming high-fat and high-salt diets. Additional determinants included physical inactivity, vehicular transport use, working more than 8 h per day and sleeping under 6 h a night. Not eating fruits and vegetables, excess body weight, abdominal obesity and a family history of hypertension were also strong, statistically significant predictors. Conclusion: More than one-fourth of participants had hypertension linked to lifestyle and genetic risks, highlighting the need for early detection and ongoing monitoring of high-risk groups, including obese, elderly and genetically predisposed. Contribution: The study quantifies the burden of hypertension, identifies determinants and informs targeted policies, clinical practice, and research.