Muhammad Jelani, Zubaida Muhammad Tilli, Abdullahi Yakubu Abdullahi, and Ajayi Isaiah Oluwadamilare
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi. Kebbi State
*Corresponding author’s Email: jm.yankuzo@fubk.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100120
ABSTRACT
Hypertension remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease globally and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Low awareness and poor detection rates continue to drive the burden of hypertension in many low- and middle-income communities. This study assessed knowledge and awareness of elevated blood pressure and the socio-economic factors associated with elevated blood pressure among adults in Kalgo community, Kebbi State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 adults aged ≥18 years selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and standardised measurements of blood pressure, height, and weight. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used for analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. Most respondents had moderate knowledge of hypertension (76.7%), while 10.1% had good knowledge and 13.2% had poor knowledge. Although many had heard of hypertension, less than half knew their blood pressure status. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 33.4% (95% CI: 26.2%–41.2%). Significant associations were observed between blood pressure status and sex, occupation, and monthly income. In multivariate analysis, male sex (aOR 2.41; 95% CI 1.18–4.93) and higher monthly income (aOR 2.87; 95% CI 1.31–6.28) were independent predictors of elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is common in Kalgo community despite moderate awareness. Community-based health education and routine screening are needed to improve early detection and management.
KEYWORDS
Knowledge, Awareness, Elevated blood pressure, Socioeconomic factors.