Prevalence of Undiagnosed Hypertension and Associated Factors among Adults in Mizan Aman Town, Bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Undiagnosed hypertension is the leading risk factor for death and disability globally. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries. It is considered a silent killer because it can exist without specific signs and symptoms for many years while once happening with serious complications. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among 18 years and above in Mizan Aman town of Bench Sheko Zone in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was carried out among people aged 18 years old and above from April 1 to 30,2021, in Mizan Aman town. Seven hundred fifty-nine subjects were selected by multistage sampling technique. A structured pretested WHO STEPS-wise questionnaire was used to interview the participants. Data entry and analysis were done using EPI data 3.1 and SPSS version 25 statistical software respectively. Descriptive analysis was undertaken and the results were presented using frequency tables, graphs, and statistical summaries. The dependent variable has dichotomized response of yes and no and hence binary logistic regression was used to predict a dependent variable based on independent variables and predictors having P ≤ 0.25 on the bivariable analysis were considered as candidates for the multivariable analysis. Odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the strength of association and finally a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 14.8% with 95% CI [12.3-15.6]. Older age (AOR =3.1, 95% CI [1.5-6.5]), male (AOR=2.2, 95%CI [1.3-3.9] low physical activity (AOR=3.9, 95% CI. [1.8-8.3]), less serving fruit and vegetable (AOR=4.5, 95%CI. [2.4-8.8]), and higher BMI (AOR=2.7, 95% CI. [1.6-4.6) were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusion: The current study outlined that the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was high in the study area. In addition, most of the risk factors identified were modifiable, and hence community-based preventive approaches like lifestyle modification, increasing awareness, and strengthening routine screening at primary health service facilities resulted in a substantial change in tackling the burden effectively.