A silent killer in the Far North Region of Cameroon: increasing prevalence of hypertension among population living in Kaele

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesHypertension (HTN) is the major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Its prevalence is still in perpetual increase worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of HTN among Kaele dwellers, in the Far North Region of Cameroon where less attention seems to be paid on awareness and sensitization against overnutrition related diseases.MethodsTwo hundred and four participants were recruited during free health campaign on cardiovascular diseases organized from 10-15th February 2017 in kaele. Anthropometric and clinical parameters (weight, height, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate) were measured. A blood sampling was done for lipid profile analysis. HTN and subtypes were diagnosed according to WHO and IDF definitions respectively meanwhile hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were diagnosed with IDF criteria.ResultsThe overall prevalence of the HTN was 29.9%. Men were more affected than women (35% vs 22.6%, p<0.05). Participants aged between 50-59 years and > 60 years were more exposed (p<0.05). Forty-one percent (41%) of the hypertensive subjects of the study had systo-diastolic sub-type of HTN meanwhile 31.6% had isolated systolic HTN vs 23% with isolated diastolic HTN. Risk factors associated to HTN were : male gender (OR=2.236; p<0.05); absence of education (OR= 24.296; p<0.05); primary education level (OR=1.933; p<0.05); marital status “married” (OR=3.117; p<0.05), increased age (30-39, 50-59, and > 60 years, respectively with OR=4.113, p<0.05; OR=31.405, p<0.05 and OR=18.694, p<0.05), abdominal obesity (OR= 2.476; p<0.05) and low milky products consumption (OR=2.031, p<0.05).ConclusionsHTN is quite present in Kaele locality and many non-modifiable, modifiable and socioeconomic risk factors significantly contributed to its development.