Assessing the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Teaching Staff in Universities in Kano State

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke in Nigeria, and academic professionals represent an understudied occupational group with potentially elevated risk due to sedentary work patterns, occupational stress, and irregular physical activity habits. This study assesses the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among teaching staff in universities in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive analytical design was employed, with 320 academic staff from three universities participating in blood pressure screening, anthropometric assessment, and a structured questionnaire covering physical activity habits, dietary practices, stress levels, alcohol use, smoking history, and family history of hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure at or above 140 mmHg or diastolic at or above 90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive medication use. Logistic regression identified independent risk factors. Findings reveal a hypertension prevalence of 38.4 percent, substantially higher than community estimates for comparable age groups. Independent risk factors include advancing age, male gender, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, high perceived occupational stress, and positive family history. Only 44 percent of identified hypertensive participants were previously aware of their diagnosis. Recommendations include mandatory annual health screening for university academic staff, establishment of campus wellness centres, and development of occupational stress management and physical activity promotion programmes. Keywords: hypertension, prevalence, risk factors, university teaching staff, Kano State