PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND RISK FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT APPRENTICE IN IBADAN NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is the commonest non communicable disease affecting both sexes in all races. It is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease risk factor worldwide. It has been shown that HTN seen in children can progress into adulthood thus contributing to the increase in the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults. With globalization bringing more lifestyle modifications, adolescents are exposed to multiple risk factors. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and risk factors among adolescent apprentice (AA) in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oyo State. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, a five-stage sampling technique was used to select 422 consenting respondents from 12 wards, 3 strata (inner core, transitory and peripheral) and 8 communities. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information which included socio-demographic characteristics of the AA, knowledge of HTN, perception of adolescents and risk factors predisposing to HTN. Blood pressure (BP) was measured twice using mercury sphygmomanometer and the average BP was recorded to determine the prevalence of HTN. Knowledge of HTN was measured on a 32 point scale and perception on an 11 item scale. Knowledge scores of <11 were rated as poor, between12-22 and >23 were rated as fair and good respectively. Positive and negative perception were categorized on >5 and <5 scores respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test at p = 0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 15.4+2.7 years. Mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) for males were 107.2+17.4 mmHg and 65.1+17.1 mmHg respectively. The mean SBP and DBP for females were 105.6+18.5 mmHg and 65.4+15.9 mmHg respectively. The prevalence of HTN was 14.9%. Only 63.5% of the respondents have fair knowledge of HTN. Severe headache (19.1%) had the highest proportions among the signs and symptoms of HTN followed by sleeplessness. Only 38.9% of the respondents’ have positive perception. Overall, 45% of the respondents perceived that traditional herbs are better to treat hypertension than western medicines and only 3.1% of the respondents were currently smoking. Among the reasons given for

smoking, 27.5% smoked in order to derive pleasure. Only 22.5% of the respondents had ever taken alcohol. Only 7.1% of those that had ever drunk alcohol were mostly influenced by their co-apprentice/friends. Some (42.2%) of the respondents had inadequate funds to meet their personal needs. Among reported health problem experienced in the last one week before the survey as a result of stress include headache (23.0%), body pain (21.7%) and body weakness (21.6%). All (100%) the respondents had no physical activities facilities in their work place. The prevalence of hypertension among adolescent apprentice is a cause for concern and majority had fair knowledge and poor perception of hypertension. Health education and early life style modification can help to influence their knowledge, perceptions as well as reduce their risk of developing hypertension at early stage.