Background: The prevalence of hypertension is increasing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa, but
data are limited on hypertension prevalence. In addition, few population-based studies have been
conducted recently in Nigeria on the prevalence and correlates of hypertension in both urban
and rural communities. Therefore, we determined the prevalence of hypertension in adults in the
three rural communities of Ipetumodu, Edunabon, and Moro, in South West Nigeria.
Materials and methods: One thousand adults between 15 and 90 years of age were recruited
into this cross-sectional study, over a 6-month period, using a multistage proportional stratified
random sampling technique. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric variables were
obtained, and resting blood pressure (BP) was measured using an electronic sphygmomanometer.
Diagnosis of hypertension was based on the JNC VII guidelines, the WHO/ISH 1999 guidelines,
and the BP threshold of 160/95 mmHg.
Results: Four hundred and eighty-six men (48.6%) men and 514 women (51.4%) participated
in the study. Their mean age, weight, height, and body mass index were 32.3±14.7 years,
62±13 kg, 1.5±0.1 m, and 23.02 kg/m2
, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, based
on the 140/90 mmHg definition, was 26.4% (Male: 27.3%; Female: 25.4%). The prevalence
of hypertension, based on the 160/95 mmHg definition, was 11.8% (Male: 13.5%; Female:
10.1%). There were significant positive correlations between BP and some anthropometric
indicators of obesity.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in the three rural communities was 26.4%, indicating
a trend towards increasing prevalence of hypertension. There was also a significant positive
correlation between anthropometric indicators of obesity and BP in this population.