Bunker CH, Ukoli FA, Nwankwo MU, Omene JA, Currier GW, Holifield-Kennedy L, Freeman DT, Vergis EN, Yeh LL, Kuller LH. Factors associated with hypertension in Nigerian civil servants.
Prev Med 1992;
21:710-22. [PMID:
1438117 DOI:
10.1016/0091-7435(92)90078-v]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Study of hypertension in segments of West African populations in transition toward Westernization may lead to better understanding of the high risk for hypertension among Westernized blacks.
METHODS
Five hundred fifty-nine urban civil servants, ages 25-54, were recruited from six ministries of Bendel State, Nigeria. Blood pressure, physical measurements, urinary protein and glucose, fasting blood glucose, and demographic data were collected at the workplace. Subjects were classified as senior staff (professionals or administrators) or junior staff (non-administrators).
RESULTS
Among 172 male senior staff, the age-adjusted rate of hypertension (diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mm Hg, systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mm Hg, or on an antihypertensive medication) was 43% and occurrence rose dramatically from 21 to 63% across age groups 25-34 to 45-54, respectively. Among 266 male junior staff, the age-adjusted rate of hypertension was 23%, and occurrence did not rise with age. Logistic regression showed that body mass index (kg/m2), age, alcohol drinking, and being senior staff were all independently related to hypertension in men. On the other hand, the age-adjusted rate of hypertension in 121 women was 20% and was significantly related only to body mass index.
CONCLUSION
Male urban civil servants appeared to have a risk for hypertension similar to that of U.S. black males. Age, body mass index, alcohol drinking, and other unidentified factors related to higher socioeconomic status were strong determinants of hypertension in this population.
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