Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Adults in a Rural Community in Benue State

Hypertension is the most common non-communicable disease in sub-Saharan Africa and a leading cause of premature cardiovascular mortality among Nigerian adults. This study assessed the prevalence of hypertension and identified associated risk factors among adults in a rural community in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 320 adults aged 18 years and above, selected through multistage random sampling. Blood pressure was measured twice at a ten-minute interval using a standardised aneroid sphygmomanometer following WHO guidelines. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, and a structured questionnaire on lifestyle behaviours and family history were administered. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or above or diastolic of 90 mmHg or above, or current use of antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of hypertension was 31.6 percent, with 47.1 percent of hypertensives previously unaware of their status. Significant risk factors identified included advancing age (OR 3.4; p < 0.001), overweight and obesity (OR 2.6; p < 0.001), high dietary salt intake (OR 2.1; p < 0.01), physical inactivity (OR 1.9; p < 0.01), and positive family history (OR 2.3; p < 0.001). The study concludes that hypertension is highly prevalent and significantly undetected in this rural community. Recommendations include community-level blood pressure screening programmes, lifestyle modification education, and strengthening of PHC diagnostic capacity in rural Benue State. Keywords: hypertension prevalence, risk factors, rural community, Benue State, non-communicable disease