Socioeconomic Status and Hypertension among Teachers and Bankers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Faculty at an Urban University in Uganda

Purpose

Hypertension is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many people however are not aware of their possession of risk factors for hypertension. There is a paucity of literature in Uganda describing the risk profile of faculty at public universities. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension risk factors among university teaching staff.

Methods

This study was conducted among faculty at Makerere University in Uganda. The modified World Health Organization STEP-wise approach for non-communicable disease surveillance was used in data collection. Hypertension was defined as having a systolic blood pressure of ≥140mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥90mmHg, or being on antihypertensive medications. Participants were enrolled from the faculty lists by proportionate to size systematic sampling until the sample size for each college was obtained. Data was collected from January to March 2018. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with hypertension.

Results

A total of 141 participants were recruited into the study. The prevalent risk factors for hypertension include physical inactivity (78.7%), overweight (46.8%), obesity (20.6%), addition of extra salt to food (46.8%), current alcohol consumption (33.3%), history of smoking (10.6%), inadequate fruit and vegetable servings per day (100%), family history of hypertension (40.4%) and a family history of diabetes (22.7%). Hypertension was prevalent at 26.2% (95% CI 18.94-33.46%). The risk factors significantly associated with hypertension included a family history of hypertension (p=0.009), obesity (p=0.008) and male gender (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

The prevalence of known hypertension risk factors among university teaching staff in urban Uganda is high. Majority of these risk factors are modifiable highlighting the need for continuous screening as well as introduction of prevention and health promotion strategies to reduce the risk burden.

Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolated from children under age five with and without diarrhea in Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diarrhea is a serious health problem in children, with the highest mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is among the major bacterial causes of diarrhea in children under age five. The present study aims to determine molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance profiles of DEC and identify contributing factors for acquisition among children under age five in Central Ethiopia.

METHODS

A health facility-centered cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa and Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, from December 2020 to August 2021. A total of 476 specimens, 391 from diarrheic and 85 from non-diarrheic children under age five were collected. Bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, and pathotype determination using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were done.

RESULTS

Of the 476 specimens analyzed, 89.9% (428/476) were positive for E. coli, of which 183 were positive for one or more genes coding DEC pathotypes. The overall prevalence of the DEC pathotype was 38.2% (183/476). The predominant DEC pathotype was enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (41.5%, 76/183), followed by enterotoxigenic E. coli (21.3%, 39/183), enteropathogenic E. coli (15.3%, 28/183), enteroinvasive E. coli (12.6%, 23/183), hybrid strains (7.1%, 13/183), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (1.6%, 3/183), and diffusely-adherent E. coli (0.6%, 1/183). DEC was detected in 40.7% (159/391) of diarrheic and 28.2% (24/85) in non-diarrheic children (p = 0.020). The majority of the DEC pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin (95.1%, 174/183) and tetracycline (91.3%, 167/183). A higher rate of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (58%, 44/76), ciprofloxacin (22%, 17/76), ceftazidime and cefotaxime (20%, 15/76) was seen among EAEC pathotypes. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 43.2% (79/183) of the pathotypes, whereas extended spectrum ß-lactamase and carbapenemase producers were 16.4% (30/183) and 2.2% (4/183), respectively.

CONCLUSION

All six common DEC pathotypes that have the potential to cause severe diarrheal outbreaks were found in children in the study area; the dominant one being EAEC with a high rate of MDR.

A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol on hypertension prevalence and associated factors among bank workers in Africa

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among bank workers in Africa.

Methods

Studies published with full texts in English will be searched in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. Checklists from the Joanna Briggs Institute will be used to assess the studies' methodology quality. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and screening of all retrieved articles will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Statistical analysis will be performed using STATA-14 software packages. A random effect will be employed to demonstrate pooled estimates of hypertension among bank workers. For determinants of hypertension, an effect size with a 95% confidence interval will be analyzed.

Results

Data extraction and statistical analyses will begin after identifying the most pertinent studies and evaluating their methodological quality. Data synthesis and the presentation of the results are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. After the review is completed, the results will be presented at relevant conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a major public health concern in Africa. More than 2 out of 10 people aged older than 18 years suffer from hypertension. A number of factors contribute to hypertension in Africa. These factors include female gender, age, overweight or obesity, khat chewing, alcohol consumption, and family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. To address the alarming rise in hypertension in Africa, behavioral risk factors should be given primary attention.

Protocol registration

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is registered in PROSPERO with the registration ID and link as follows: CRD42022364354;CRD-register@york.ac.ukhttps://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd.

The Magnitude of NCD Risk Factors in Ethiopia: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Evidence

Background: Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are the leading contributors to morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. To date, there has been no synthesis of the literature on the relative prevalence of NCD risk factors in Ethiopia. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies reporting on the prevalence of NCD risk factors in Ethiopia published in English from 2012 to July 2020. Pre-tested NCD search terms were applied to Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Global Health. Three reviewers screened and appraised the quality of the identified papers. Data extraction was conducted using a pilot tested proforma. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16 and pooled prevalence estimated with associated 95% confidence intervals. Clinically heterogeneous studies that did not fulfil the eligibility criteria for meta-analysis were narratively synthesised. I² was used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Results: 47 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and contributed 68 NCD risk factor prevalence estimates. Hypertension was the most frequently examined NCD risk factor, with a pooled prevalence of 21% (n = 27 studies). The pooled prevalence percentages for overweight and obesity were 19.2% and 10.3%, respectively (n = 7 studies each), with a combined prevalence of 26.8% (n = 1 study). It was not possible to pool the prevalence of alcohol consumption, smoking, metabolic disorders, or fruit consumption because of heterogeneity across studies. The prevalence of alcohol use, as reported from the included individual studies, ranged from 12.4% to 13.5% (n = 7 studies). More than 90% of participants met the WHO-recommended level of physical activity (n = 5 studies). The prevalence of smoking was highly variable, ranging between 0.8% and 38.6%, as was the prevalence of heavy alcohol drinking (12.4% to 21.1%, n = 6 studies) and metabolic syndrome (4.8% to 9.6%, n = 5 studies). Fruit consumption ranged from 1.5% up to the recommended level, but varied across geographic areas (n = 3 studies). Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of NCD risk factors in Ethiopia is relatively high. National NCD risk factor surveillance is required to inform the prioritisation of policies and interventions to reduce the NCD burden in Ethiopia.

Metabolic risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are causing a new and yetsignificant health challenge in low-income countries. In Ethiopia, although 39% of deaths are NCD related, the health system remains underprepared, highlighting the clear need for evidence on risk factor distributions to inform resource planning and the health response. Therefore, this review investigates prevalence distributions and sex and age variations of metabolic risk factors among Ethiopian adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This systematic review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies published until 6 January 2021 were searched from PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Web of Science databases, reference lists of selected studies and grey literature. Studies reporting prevalence of metabolic risk factors: overweight/obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose homoeostasis and metabolic syndrome among Ethiopian adults were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Two authors independently extracted data and used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for quality appraisal. The random effects model was used to conduct meta-analysis using Stata V.16. Subgroup analyses examined prevalence differences by region, study year, sample size and settings.

RESULTS

From 6087 records, 74 studies including 104 382 participants were included. Most showed high prevalence of metabolic risk factors. Meta-analysis revealed pooled prevalence of metabolic risk factors from 12% to 24% with the highest prevalence observed for overweight/obesity (23.9%, 95% CI 19.9% to 28.0%) and hypertension (21.1%, 95% CI 18.7% to 23.5%), followed by metabolic syndrome (14.7%, 95% CI 9.8% to 19.6%) and impaired glucose tolerance (12.4%, 95% CI 8.7% to 16.1%). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in women. All metabolic risk factors were higher among people aged above 45 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A signficant proportion of Ethiopian adults have at least one metabolic risk factor for NCDs. Despite heterogeneity of studies limiting the certainty of evidence, the result suggests the need for coordinated effort among policymakers, healthcare providers, non-governmental stakeholders and the community to implement appropriate preventive measures to reduce these factors.

Behavioral and Sociodemographic Determinants of Hypertension and Its Burden among Bank Employees in Metropolitan Cities of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. Bank workers are at higher risk of hypertension because of their work sedentary characteristics. However, little is known about the prevalence and determinants of hypertension among this group of population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among bank employees in metropolitan cities in Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia.

METHOD

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 bank employees. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. A pretested self-administered questionnaire and biophysical measurements were employed to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were done to summarize the data and identify factors associated with hypertension, respectively.

RESULT

The overall prevalence of hypertension among bank employees was 52.4% (95% CI: 47.2, 57.7). Increased age (AOR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11), male sex (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.1), overweight (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 5.2), obesity (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI: 2.0, 11.3), moderate/high physical activity (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.62), daily fruit intake (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.3), stressful life event experience (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.4), family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5, 5.4), and poor knowledge of CVDs (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.8) were significantly associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hypertension among bank workers was very high. Increased age, male sex, overweight and obesity, daily fruit intake, moderate/high physical activity, the experience of stressful events, familial history of hypertension, and poor CVDs knowledge were associated with hypertension. Thus, raising awareness about cardiovascular disorders and behavior change interventions that enhance bank workers' engagement in physical exercise, screening behavior, and a healthy diet is urgently required for this group of population.

The Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors among Secondary School Teachers in Bahir Dar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Hypertension is one of the noncommunicable cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and its prevalence is rising in middle- and low-income countries. It is not given enough attention in the developing countries like Ethiopia. Not enough data and studies about hypertension are available in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among secondary school teachers in Bahir Dar city administration.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among secondary school teachers in Bahir Dar. Two hundred twenty-two randomly selected teachers were interviewed, and data related to the demographic, behavioral, health, and dietary characteristics of the individuals were recorded. Blood pressure data were taken. Logistic regression analysis had been used to assess independent risk factors for hypertension. p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall prevalence of hypertension in the study was 29.28%. Age 41 to 50 (AOR: 2.506; 95% CI: 1.103–5.694; and p=0.028), having self-reported diabetes mellitus (AOR: 8.595; 95% CI: 2.795–26.424; and p < 0.0001), having a family history of hypertension (AOR: 3.387; 95% CI: 1.579–7.285; and p=0.002), khat chewing (AOR: 5.426; 95% CI: 1.811–16.256; and p=0.003), physical inactivity (AOR: 5.212; 95% CI: 1.974–13.763; and p=0.001), and presence of self-reported repeated stress (AOR: 3.027; 95% CI: 1.404–6.527; and p=0.005) were the risk factors associated with hypertension.

Conclusions

Different intervention measures with a particular emphasis on prevention by introducing lifestyle modifications are highly recommended to mitigate and control hypertension.

Prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is a major public health problem globally and it is a leading cause of death and disability in developing countries. This review aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted at the electronic databases (PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar) to locate potential studies. Heterogeneity between studies checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics and small study effect were checked using Egger's statistical test at 5% significance level. Sensitivity analysis was checked. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia.

RESULTS

In this review, 38 studies that are conducted in Ethiopia and fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a total number of 51,427 study participants were reviewed. The overall pooled prevalence of hypertension in the country was 21.81% (95% CI: 19.20-24.42, I2 = 98.35%). The result of the review also showed that the point of prevalence was higher among males (23.21%) than females (19.62%). When we see the pervasiveness of hypertension from provincial perspective; the highest prevalence of hypertension was observed in Addis Ababa (25.35%) and the lowest was in Tigray region (15.36%). In meta-regression analysis as the mean age increases by one year, the likelihood of developing hypertension increases by a factor of 0.58 times (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.31-0.86, R2 = 36.67). Male sex (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.61, I2 = 81.35%), age > 35 years (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 2.57-5.02, I2 = 93.48%), overweight and/or obese (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.12-5.26, I2 = 95.41%), khat chewing (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: I2 = 62%), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.21-1.85, I2 = 64%), family history of hypertension (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.64-3.99, I2 = 83.28%), and family history of diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.85-7.59, I2 = 89.9%) are significantly associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension is becoming a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Nearly two out of ten individuals who are older than 18 years living with hypertension. Sex, age, overweight and/or obese, khat chewing, alcohol consumption, and family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus are statistically significant determinant factors for hypertension in Ethiopia. Primary attention should be given for behavioral risk factors to tackle the alarming increase of hypertension in Ethiopia.

Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors among the Outpatient Department in Akaki Kality Subcity Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Fatalities from hypertension in East Africa are increasing, even though they decreased in western industrial regions. Older age, being female, illiterate, smoking, physical inactivity, and high waist circumferences are major risk factors for the development of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension among Federal Ministry Civil servants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has found to be high; which is an indication for institution-based hypertension-screening programs.

Objective

Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among the outpatient department in Akaki Kality Subcity Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methodology. Facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out on systematically sampled 401 out-department patients whose age was greater than or equal to 18 years in four government health centers in Addis Ababa. Data collection took place from March 10, 2018, to April 06 2018. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of hypertension.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 41.17 years (95% CI: 39.77–42.57). The prevalence of hypertension was 14% (95% CI: 13.653–14.347), and 30 (53.57%) were males. Alcohol drinkers were 11.844 times more likely to be hypertensive as compared to non-alcohol drinkers (AOR = 11.844, 95% CI: 3.596–39.014). Cigarette smokers were 16.511 times more likely to be hypertensive as compared to non-cigarette smokers (AOR = 16.511, 95% CI: 4.775–57.084). Khat chewers were 6.964 times more likely to be hypertensive as compared to non-khat chewers (AOR = 6.964, 95% CI: 1.773–26.889).

Conclusion

The prevalence of patients with hypertension was 14%. Alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, khat chewing, body mass index ≥25 kg/m², and age ≥44 years old are major determinants identified by this study. Hence, appropriate management of patients focusing on the relevant associated factors would be of great benefit in controlling hypertension.

Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants in Sidama Zone, south Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability in adult populations globally. Its prevalence is increasing rapidly in Ethiopia. Studies conducted to date address different population categories. However, there is lack of data on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants working in various sectors and levels.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants in Sidama Zone, south Ethiopia.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1-30, 2019 on a sample of 546 civil servants selected randomly from different departments of Sidama Zone Administration. Data were collected using structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and standard physical measurements. The data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with hypertension. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to assess the presence and strength of associations.

RESULTS

A total of 546 civil servants responded resulting in a response rate of 94.9%. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.5% [95% CI: 23.3% - 25.6%]. The identified risk factors of hypertension were male sex (AOR 4.31[95% CI: 1.84-10.09]), moderate current alcohol consumption (AOR: 4.85; [95% CI: 1.73-13.61]), current khat chewing (AOR 2.97[95% CI: 1.38-6.40]), old age (AOR: 4.41[95% CI: 1.19-16.26]), being obese (AOR 5.94 [95% CI: 1.26-27.86]) and central obesity (AOR 3.57 [95% CI: 1.80-7.07]).

CONCLUSIONS

One in four civil servants are hypertensive. Different demographic, behavioral and metabolic factors increase the odds of hypertension among civil servants. Prevention and control of hypertension shall involve promotion of healthy lifestyles such as weight management, regular physical activity and quitting or cutting down on harmful use of substances such as alcohol and khat.

Epidemiology of General, Central Obesity and Associated Cardio-Metabolic Risks Among University Employees, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that middle and low-income countries such as Ethiopia are facing the growing epidemic of both communicable and non-communicable diseases creating a burden on their economy and healthcare system. The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases is attributed to sedentarism, lifestyle changes, nutritional transition, and the presence of other cardiometabolic risk factors. Therefore this study was designed to assess the prevalence and association of overweight, obesity, and cardio-metabolic risks and to explore if there was any agreement among the anthropometric measurements among the academic employees of the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the WHO stepwise approach and recommendations on 381 academic staff of the university. In addition, physical measurements such as weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and biochemical measures such as blood pressure and fasting blood glucose level (peripheral blood samples by finger puncture) were measured using standardized tools.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 33.5 (95% CI: 32.7, 34.2) years. The prevalence of obesity among the study participants calculated by body mass index, waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) was 13.1%, 33.6%, 51.9%, and 58.5% respectively. The prevalence of diabetes was 4.7% among which 1.3% was not diagnosed prior to this study. About 53 (13.9%) of the study sample were found to be hypertensive (HTN) (6.3% known versus 29 7.6% newly diagnosed). Among the participants, 39.4% and 23.4% were found to be pre-hypertensive and pre-diabetic respectively. WC was significantly associated with hypertension (AOR = 5.14; 2.503, 9.72), pre-DM (AOR = 4.03; 2.974, 5.96), DM (AOR = 3.29; 1.099, 6.01). In addition, WHtR was significantly associated with Pre-HTN (AOR = 2.69; 1.49, 4.58), HTN (AOR = 2.066; 1.008, 6.31), and DM (AOR = 1.855; 0.76, 4.32). On the contrary, both WHR and general obesity measured by BMI were not significantly associated with pre-HTN, HTN, pre-DM and DM groups.

CONCLUSION

This study results revealed the variable prevalence between general obesity and the anthropometric indices (IDF cutoff) defining central obesity; WC, WHtR, and WHR among the participants. The result of this study suggests that the constructs of central obesity, not BMI has to be used to screen risks of cardio-metabolic risks among Ethiopians.

Prevalence and associated anthropometric and lifestyle predictors of hypertension among adults in Kombolcha town and suburbs, Northeast Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HTN) is major public health challenge. Data on HTN prevalence and associated risk factors is necessary to better control it. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of HTN and associated anthropometric and lifestyle predictors in Kombolcha and suburbs, northeast Ethiopia.

METHODS

The study followed a community-based cross-sectional sampling design. Adult (≥18) residents of Kombolcha and suburbs in 11 kebeles (villages) formed the target population. Of these kebeles, 5(3 urban and 2 suburban) were selected randomly. Households (HHs) within the selected kebeles and individuals within HHs were similarly recruited in December 2016-May 2017. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were done. World Health Organization (WHO) STEPWISE TOOL was used to capture socio-demographic, physical activity, dietary habit, and nutritional status data.

RESULTS

Totally 318 adults participated in the study. However, only 312 (169(54.2%) males and 143(45.8%) females) were with complete information for statistical analysis. The lowest age was 18 years, the highest 65 and the mean 38.29 ± 10.88. The prevalence of HTN was 30.8% (96/312) (95% confidence interval (CI): 25.9-36.1%), 16.4% male and 14.4% female. While 45 and older age (odds ratio (OR) 7.385, 95% CI 3.563-15.306, p < 0.0001), obesity (OR 126.286, 95% CI 34.481-462.514, p < 0.0001) and overweightness (OR 16.105, 95% CI 7.024-36.927, p < 0.0001), 'substantially high risk' (> 102 cm in men and > 88 cm in female) waist circumference (OR 1.788, 95% CI 1.008-3.173, p = 047), light occupational physical activity (OR 12.427, 95% CI 2.891-53.410, p = 0.001), walking or riding a bicycle for lower than 5 days/week (OR 13.000, 95% CI 5.140-32.882, p < 0.0001) and lack of sport activity (OR 18.322, 95% CI 2.430-138.169, p = 005), smoking (OR 2.283, 95% CI 1.284-4.060, p = 0.005), khat (OR 17.390, 95% CI 6.167-49.037, p < 0.0001), alcohol (OR 4.005, 95% CI 2.357-6.803, p < 0.0001), HH size of two (OR 2.474, 95% CI 1.250-4.895, p = 0.009) and ≥ 3 (OR 6.889, 95% CI 2.610-18.186, p < 0.0001); and HTN in family history (OR 19.417, 95% CI 10.251-36.778, p < 0.0001) were significant predictors of HTN in the binary logistic regression analysis; none of these were so in the multivariable model.

CONCLUSION

Although there was a high prevalence of HTN in the study area, its independent significant predictors were not identified.

Prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension and its risk factors in Iranian school children: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Because of the incidence of a childhood obesity epidemic and the widespread changes in people's lifestyle, the prevalence of high blood pressure in children is increasing. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension and its risk factors in Iranian children.

METHODS

Using random cluster sampling in urban areas and census in rural areas, a total of 5620 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years living in Shahroud, Northeast of Iran, were studied. The prevalence of hypertension was determined on the basis of the fourth report of the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents by age, sex, and place of residence. The factors influencing blood pressure were studied using multivariate regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of prehypertension was 7.44% and the prevalence of hypertension was 6.82%. The relative risk ratio (RRR) of prehypertension was 1.17 for BMI, 1.43 for female sex, and 3.71 for residence in rural areas; in addition, the RRR of hypertension was 1.22 for BMI, 6.64 for residence in rural areas, 1.69 for moderate economic status, and 1.89 for low economic status.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension is significant in children and alarming in rural areas and requires urgent intervention. As factors such as high BMI, female sex, residence in rural areas, and moderate and low economic status are associated with increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension, it is recommended to conduct routine care programs at regular intervals in schools to prevent hypertension and its related complications.

Reading the Nutritional Information on Food Labels Among Teachers with and without Hypertension in Brazil

BACKGROUND

To examine the associations among nutritional label use, medically diagnosed hypertension, and sociodemographic factors among teachers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of elementary and secondary school teachers in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, was conducted. Data regarding sociodemographic variables, hypertension diagnosis, and the reading of nutritional information on food/beverage labels were collected in 2012-2013. Associations were analyzed using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to adjust for possible confounders; odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and adjusted P values were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 978 teachers interviewed, 15% were diagnosed with hypertension, and 62.5% read nutritional information in the 12 months prior to the survey (41% frequently or always). No differences were found between teachers with and without hypertension with regard to frequent reading (frequently/always) of nutritional labels. The frequent use of nutritional labels was significantly associated with female sex (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.04-1.85) and the highest monthly family income level (OR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.07-3.11). Teachers with hypertension reported checking for sodium more frequently than those without (adjusted P value = 0.040). Medical advice (adjusted P value <0.001) and choosing healthier foods (adjusted P value = 0.002) were the major reasons for reading labels provided by teachers with and without hypertension, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Checking for sodium values on nutritional labels was significantly higher among teachers with hypertension, which most likely results from medical advice, and was the major reported reason for reading these labels.

The Current Situation of Hypertension among Rural Minimal Assurance Family Participants in Liaoning (China): A Cross-Sectional Study

In China, the prevalence of hypertension is increasing and is showing an epidemic accelerating trend. However, there is a lack of studies reporting the hypertension status of rural residents with minimum living allowances. We performed a cross-sectional study including 11,435 (5285 men and 6150 women) from the general population aged ≥35 years in the Liaoning Province of China from 2012 to 2013, of which 1258 (11.0%) participants came from minimal assurance families. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory examinations and self-reported lifestyle factor information were collected by trained personnel. Multivariate logistic regression was used to detect the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the risk of hypertension. We found that the prevalence of hypertension was as high as 61.9% in participants from minimal assurance families and the odd ratio for hypertension was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.15–1.52). The awareness, treatment, and control rates among treated hypertensive participants did not increase with higher level of income and education. In the total sample, the lower income levels increased the risk for hypertension, but education didn’t show a significant association with hypertension. Thus, there is a severe hypertension situation in the Liaoning rural population of minimal assurance families, which need more attention and prevention and control measures for hypertension.