Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among workers of an oil palm company in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the most important preventable causes of premature morbidity and mortality globally. This condition which was initially considered rare in sub-Saharan Africa is now a major non-communicable disease threatening sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among workers of the Oil Palm Company in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State Nigeria.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 354 workers of Oil Palm Company selected using stratified sampling technique. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire (adapted in line with the WHO stepwise surveillance questionnaire for chronic disease risk factors) was used to obtain data. Data analysis was by IBM SPSS version 21.0. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were done and level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age (SD) of respondents was 37.9 (10.4) years. The prevalence of hypertension was 18.4%. Sixteen (4.5%) of respondents were current tobacco users and 34 (9.6%) were obese. Significant determinants of hypertension were age (p = 0.001), current tobacco use (p = 0.007), BMI (p = 0.027) and Waist Hip Ratio (p = 0.033).

Conclusion: Hypertension is a public health problem among the study population and the determinants of hypertension identified include age, tobacco use, and obesity. There is need for health education on how to reduce these risk factors and screening programs among the staff for early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.