Hypertension & Healthcare

Biography

Biography: Juliana Mandha

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases are rising in low income countries. Information on the risk factors at the community level is of paramount importance to enable strategic preventive programs. This study was conducted within a rural pastoral community of Maasai in Simanjiro District of Tanzania to determine prevalence of hypertension and its determinants.This population based cross-sectional study included 561 Maasai participants. Consenting adults (≥ 25 years) were interviewed using the World Health Organization STEPWISE survey instrument.The average age (years) of the participants was 39±13.9. The prevalence for hypertension was 21.3%, 95% CI [18,25]. Systolic blood pressure was significantly (p<0.05) associated with diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, abdominal obesity, fruit servings per day, and vigorous work done. The majority (96.26%) of Maasai participants were physically active, with those in the 24-34 year age group having higher metabolic equivalents (10563.92±7552) than the 65+ group (4852.09±5835.272) (p< 0.0001). Hypertensive participants showed lower metabolic equivalents (179.2±107.7) than their non- hypertensive counterparts (297.6±53.1). The majority of participants were within normal weights, but body mass index differed according to age groupings (p = 0.0454) and hypertensive status (p=0.0063). Hypertensive participants had significantly (p=0.0136) higher blood glucose levels. Fruits and vegetable intake was similar among hypertensive and non- hypertensive participants; however, there was a significant difference across age groups (p=0.0085). Hypertension prevalence among the rural Maasai community was found to be high. It is imperative to put strategies in place for primary prevention and targeted treatment of hypertension.