Risk Factors Associated with Hypertension among Adults 18-65 Years in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases linked with heart disease and accounts for about 64% of stroke cases globally. BP is becoming the leading global public health problem with over 10M death every year. Despite growing evidence that high blood pressure is on the rise, information about its risks factors on patients seeking medical care in Kenyan hospitals is limited. This research investigated the risk factors associated with high blood pressure among adults aged 18-65 in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.

Analytical cross-sectional study, using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collections, a multistage sampling procedure sampled 380 study participants chi square and logistic regression made deductions about the study population. In qualitative data, deductive approach used research questions as a guide for data analysis. Gender chi-square χ2 (2, N=345=128.640, P=.000), respondent age χ2(5, N=345=158.021, P=.000), education level χ2 (3, N=345=77.677, P=.000), marital status χ2(4, N=345=69.413, P=.000), state of being pregnancy χ2(1, N=345=224.599, P=.000), currently smoking cigarette χ2(1, N=50=28.890, P=.000), currently taking alcohol χ2(1, N=273=16.548, P=.000), engaging in physical activities χ2(3, N=345=58.183, P=.000), and weight status χ2(2, N=184=40.044, P=.000) were statistically significantly associated with the development of hypertension. Routine screening and advocacy by the health worker should be done for early detection, timely treatment, follow up and prevent complications related to hypertension.