Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Public Servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract

Background: The leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability worldwide is hypertension. Globally, 31.1% of adults (1.39 billion people) have hypertension and 9.4 million deaths are recorded annually, accounting for 13% of overall mortality. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among public servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 public servants. To classify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression, a binary logistic regression model was applied. In order to analyze factors associated with hypertension among participants, all variables with a P-value< 0.2 were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. In order to determine statistical significance, a p value of less than 0.05 was taken. The assumptions of Chi square and multi-collinearity were verified. For model fitness, the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit was checked. Results: The total hypertension rate was 27.6% (95% CI: 24.1– 31.3). The prevalence was higher in males 129 (32.5%) than in females 444 (19.1%). History of diabetes mellitus (AOR= 9.64, 95% CI: 3.20– 29.30), age > 35 years (AOR= 2.94, 95% CI: 1.91– 4.51) and body mass index 25kg/m² and above (AOR= 3.44, 95% CI: 2.21– 5.34) have been found to be separately associated with hypertension. Conclusion and Recommendation: Among public servants in the study setting (study area), hypertension has become a major public health issue. Half of the newly reported cases is hypertensive. The conclusion of this study calls for a more holistic approach to hypertension in terms of hypertension prevention, screening, and proper management.