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Assessing The Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Adults in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State
Subject area: Biological & Medical Sciences · Area of research: Hypertension Risk Factors
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a major public health concern in Nigeria. Its increasing prevalence is closely linked to demographic transitions and unhealthy lifestyle practices. However, local-level data on specific risk factors remain limited in many communities, including Ahiazu Mbaise, Local Government Area of Imo State. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among adult residents of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and blood pressure measurements. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity, obesity, and diabetes status was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among respondents was 65%, with a slightly higher prevalence among males (66.7%) compared to females (64.3%). Hypertension increased markedly with age, peaking at 73.4% among those aged 51–60 years. Obesity was strongly associated with hypertension, as 79.5% of obese respondents were hypertensive compared with 58.2% of non-obese respondents. Physical inactivity also showed a strong relationship, with 81.1% of inactive individuals being hypertensive compared with 52.8% among those who were physically active. High proportions of hypertension were also observed among respondents with unhealthy dietary practices, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among adults in Ahiazu Mbaise, LGA, with several modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to its occurrence. The findings highlight the need for community-based health education, routine screening, and interventions promoting healthy diets, regular physical activity, weight management, and reduced alcohol and tobacco use.
Keywords
Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Adults, Obesity, Physical Inactivity, Diet, Alcohol, Tobacco.
How to cite this paper
@article{1714456,
author = {Odom Uchechukwu, Ifeanyi Chikere Ebirim, Eunice A. Nwoke, Ugonma Winnie Dozie, Chikadibia Kizito Odinaka},
title = {Assessing The Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Adults in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {1342-1352},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714456.pdf},
abstract = {Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a major public health concern in Nigeria. Its increasing prevalence is closely linked to demographic transitions and unhealthy lifestyle practices. However, local-level data on specific risk factors remain limited in many communities, including Ahiazu Mbaise, Local Government Area of Imo State.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among adult residents of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and blood pressure measurements. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity, obesity, and diabetes status was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors.
Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among respondents was 65%, with a slightly higher prevalence among males (66.7%) compared to females (64.3%). Hypertension increased markedly with age, peaking at 73.4% among those aged 51–60 years. Obesity was strongly associated with hypertension, as 79.5% of obese respondents were hypertensive compared with 58.2% of non-obese respondents. Physical inactivity also showed a strong relationship, with 81.1% of inactive individuals being hypertensive compared with 52.8% among those who were physically active. High proportions of hypertension were also observed among respondents with unhealthy dietary practices, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among adults in Ahiazu Mbaise, LGA, with several modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to its occurrence. The findings highlight the need for community-based health education, routine screening, and interventions promoting healthy diets, regular physical activity, weight management, and reduced alcohol and tobacco use.},
keywords = {Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Adults, Obesity, Physical Inactivity, Diet, Alcohol, Tobacco.},
month = {February},
}