Title:
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension with associated factors among adults in slums of Nairobi, Kenya
Authors:
Vijver, S. van de
Year:
2010
PAGE:
v, 44
Language:
eng
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
health
,
health services
,
disease prevention and control
Abstract:
PROBLEM STATEMENT: Hypertension is the single most important cause of CVD morbidity and mortality in the world. Especially in low- and middle-income countries there is a rising prevalence partly due to urbanization. OBJECTIVES: To assess prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension and associated factors in slums of Nairobi in order to formulate recommendations to improve prevention. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on the Nairobi Urban Health Demographic Surveillance System (NUHDSS), with hypertension defined as BP >=140/90 or current use of medication. RESULTS: Overall, 19.1% were hypertensive with significant higher outcomes among females, older people, and Kamba ethnicity. Education, wealth and occupation were not significant determinants. The overall awareness among hypertensives was 21.0% which is lower in males, young people and those having an informal job. 15.1% of hypertensives is on current treatment with significant more females, elderly and those that finished secondary school or higher. Among hypertensives 5.1% have their blood pressure controlled, this was significantly higher in females. DISCUSSION: Compared to other populations there is moderate prevalence of hypertension but overall low rates of awareness, treatment and control. Level of treatment among those aware of hypertension, and control among those on treatment are almost similar as high-income settings. Age and sex were the strongest determinants for hypertension whereas the association with socio-economic factors remains weak in this setting. CONCLUSION: To improve treatment and control of hypertension in slums, awareness should increase among patients, health care providers and policy makers.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Kenya
Region:
East Africa
Training:
Master in International Health (MIH)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2010 van de Vijver
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
186352.pdf