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Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability in adult populations
globally. It is estimated that globally 1.13 billion people are hypertensive. More than two-third of the people with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries. However, there is no previous data on prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants in Sidama Zone. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants in different departments of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methodology: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among civil servants working in different departments of Sidama Zone Administration. Data were collected from randomly selected 546 civil servants from March 6, 2019 to March 22, 2019, using structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered, pre-tested questionnaire and standard physical measurements. The data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with hypertension. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to assess the strength and significant of association.
Result: A total of 546 civil servants responded with a response rate of 94.9%. Among the total respondents 356 (65.2%) were males. The mean (standard deviation) of the age of the participants was 37.86 (+9.50) years. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.5% (95% CI: 23.3-25.6). From the total prevalent cases, 61.9% were newly screened hypertensive cases. The identified risk factors for hypertension were male sex ( AOR: 4.31; 95% CI: 1.84 – 10.09), current khat chewing (AOR: 2.97; 95% CI:1.38-6.40), old age (AOR: 4.41; 95% CI: 1.19 -16.26), current moderate alcohol drinking (AOR : 4.85; 95% CI:1.73- 13.61), being obese (AOR:5.94; 95% CI: 1.26-27.86) and central obesity (AOR: 3.57; 95% CI: 1.80-7.07).
Conclusion: One in four civil servants were hypertensive. Male sex, old age, current moderate alcohol consumption, current khat chewing, obesity and central obesity were risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, appropriate health education on hypertension, regular screening program and promotion of healthy life styles including weight management, regular physical activity, avoiding harmful use of alcohol and khat are recommended. |
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