Awareness and risk reduction of hypertension among adults in Ilala and Mkuranga districts, Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The East African Health Research Journal
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is one of the major global public health problems that has been associated with an increasing
prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. This study aimed to assess
awareness and the practice of risk reduction of hypertension among adults in Ilala and Mkuranga districts, Tanzania.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted whereby a total of 295 participants were interviewed
using a questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO). Stepwise approach for chronic disease
risk factor surveillance was used to obtain the socio-demographic information, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes
regarding hypertension using a structured set of questions. Blood pressure was measured and recorded. Descriptive
statistics were used to describe and summarize the study findings. Pearson Chi-square test was used to compare and
determine the association between categorical variables and hypertension. Multiple logistic regression analysis was
Results: performed to determine predictors of hypertension. Statistical association for all comparisons was set at P<.05.
Hypertension prevalence was high (36.9%) with high proportion of hypertensive individuals being aged between 30
to 44 years (48.6%), married or cohabiting (70.6%), self-employed (59.6%), attained primary education level (59.6%),
earn <TZS 250,000 per month (47.7) and living in rural Mkuranga (48.6%). Over a third of hypertensive individuals
were unaware of their condition. Although over half of studied individuals had good knowledge of risk factors for
hypertension, their risk reduction practices were limited. Only 44.4% engaged in physical activity, 7.5% quit smoking,
and 9.2% reduced their alcohol intake. However, in multiple logistic regression age and knowledge maintained its
significant association with hypertension. Tailored community interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness
and enhance preventive practices against hypertension.
Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced hypertension prevention strategies in study population.
Significant gaps remain in awareness, risk perception, and adoption of preventive practices.
Description
East Afr Health Res J. 2025 Sep 30;9(1):158–164
Keywords
Cardiovascular diseases, Hypertension, Tanzania
Citation
doi: 10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.834