PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN OGBOMOSO SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of adult morbidity and mortality in Nigeria civil servants including local government employees are predisposed to risk factors that could lead to hypertension. Several studies have been conducted on knowledge, awareness and predisposing factors to hypertension among local government employees in urban settings but few in semi-urban areas. Hence, this study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among Local Government Employees (LGEs) in Ogbomosho South Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted; using a four-stage random sampling technique to select 250 consenting respondents from all departments (8 departments) in the local government secretariat. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire which included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, a 30-point hypertension knowledge and 14-point practices (sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption and eating food with seasoning) scales were used for data collection. Knowledge scores of ≤10, >10-20 and >20 were rated as poor, fair and good, respectively. Practice score of <7 and ≥7 were categorized as poor and good, respectively. Respondents Blood Pressure (BP) were measured using mercury sphygmomanometer and BP of <140/90mmHg was considered as a normal BP. Weight and height are measured and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30kg/m² was regarded as obese (normal value =18.5-24.9kg/m² while 25-29.9kg/m² regarded as overweight). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi square test and logistic regression model at p= 0.05. Age of respondents was 42.0±7.4 years. 54.4% were females and 84.4% were Christian. Respondents' year of service was 13.3±5.9, 84.8% were married and 39.6% had post-secondary education. Prevalence of hypertension was 25.6%, out of which 27.2% were males. Respondents' knowledge score was 21.7±7.2. Those with poor, fair and good knowledge were 18.8%, 48.0% and 33.2% respectively. Respondents' practices score was 10.2.2±4.2 and majority (64.4%) had good practices which could prevent hypertension. Only 16% of employee were underweight, 36.0% had normal weight, 42.0% were overweight, while 22% were obese. A significantly higher proportion of respondents aged 50-59 years (42.0%) compared with those aged 20-29 (13.0%), 30-39 (18.0%) and 40-49 years (27.0%) had hypertension. Also a significantly higher proportion of respondents with good practices (64.4%) compared to those with poor practices (35.6%) had hypertension. Respondents' years of service was not significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension. Respondents age 50-59 years were more likely to have hypertension than those aged 40-49 years (OR:3.23 CI: 1.42-7.37). Respondents with poor practices were 2 times more likely to have hypertension (OR 2.38. CI:1.27-4.44) compared to those with good practices. Prevalence of hypertension was high among Ogbomosho South Local Government Employees and the workers within 50-59 years were at risk of hypertension, despite good practices of prevention. Workplace health promotion services such as health education on hypertension-related risk factors should be promoted among local government employees.