Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among pastoralists in Monduli District, Arusha region in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC/ Archives of Public Health
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is among the growing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries and
the leading cause of death worldwide. Pastoral areas have been identified to be at a higher risk of diseases due to
challenges in their daily food production, livelihoods or mobility. Unfortunately, the prevalence of hypertension and
the risk factors particularly affecting rural and pastoral populations are not fully understood, making intervention
efforts challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify the risk
factors among adults living in Monduli district in Tanzania. The findings will be useful for the provision of tailored
interventions focused on community-specific nutritional and behavioral practices.
Methods: We conducted a community based cross-sectional study involving a sample of 510 adults aged above 18
years selected using a multistage cluster sampling in the Monduli district of Arusha region, Tanzania. Data were
collected by using interviewer-administered questionnaires containing socio-demographic, physical activity, smoking
and alcohol consumption. Anthropometry, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels were measured. A
one-day 24 h diet recall was conducted to evaluate the dietary habits of all participants. Both linear and logistic
regression analysis were used to identify the independent predictors for hypertension and blood pressure levels.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension in this study was 25.7% (n = 131, 95% CI; 22.1–29.7). The odds of hypertension
increased with being male (AOR = 1.75, 95%CI, 1.06–2.88), belonging to the older age group of 30–39 year olds (AOR =
3.3, 95%CI, 1.76–6.38), 40–59 year olds (AOR = 3.34, 95%CI, 1.75–6.37) and ≥ 60 year olds (AOR = 4.2, 95%CI, 2.02–8.87),
being overweight or obese (AOR = 3.37, 95%CI, 1.18–9.62), have more hours spent sedentary (AOR = 3.19, 95%CI, 1.61–
6.32), and consumption of fatty foods (AOR = 2.23, 95%CI, 1.27–3.93). The odds for hypertension was significantly reduced
among participants who reported higher income (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI, 0.25–0.91), high level of physical activity (AOR =
0.55, 95%CI, 0.31–0.96) and those reported to consume fruit (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI, 0.18–0.77). Consumption of cereals was
negatively associated with levels of SBP (β = − 17.4, 95% CI, − 23.8; − 11.0) and DBP (β = − 6.6, 95% CI, − 11.5,-1.79).
Conclusion: About one in every four adults living in pastoral communities have been found to have hypertension in this
study. Our findings suggest that older age, obesity or overweight, low physical activity, low income, and consumption of
fatty foods increase the risk of hypertension among study population. Their diet was dominated by cereals with moderate
intake of meat and milk and low fruits. There is a need to promote physical activities and consumption of fruits in the
study population in order to fight against hypertension. Further research should be done to confirm the associations.
Description
Research Paper 2020
Keywords
Hypertension, Blood pressure, Diet, Physical activity, Body mass index, Pastoralist, Tanzania