Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and related risk factors in Wad-Medani Alkobra locality in Gezira State, Sudan, 2022

Background: Hypertension is defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg. It is emerging as one of the major healthcare challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Hypertension is considered as a silent killer and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and accounts for a large proportion of premature deaths in developing countries. Most people with hypertension are asymptomatic and are undiagnosed for years.

Objectives: This study aimed to find out the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and related risk factors among adults in Wad Medani Alkobra locality in Gezira State, Sudan.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study involving 464 adults in different locations in Wad-Medani Alkobra locality, from June 2022 to August 2022 was performed in collaboration with the Sudanese Society of Hypertension within May Measure Month (MMM) 2022 study. WHO Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire was used to collect data, and was analyzed by SPSS version 20. Demographics, blood pressure, pulse, and socioeconomic status were measured. Diagnosis of hypertension was defined based on a systolic and diastolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg and ≥90 mmHg, respectively and three readings were obtained. Blood pressure was measured in all women and men aged 15 years and above.

Results: Total number of study population was 464, males were 239 (52%), females were 225 (48%). Mean age was 45 years. 68 were known hypertensive (15%). Of those who are hypertensive, 27 (39%) had high blood pressure. Undiagnosed hypertension in the study population was found to be 10% (39 individual) which equals to 59.1% from the total number of the populations who had HTN (66). The prevalence of HTN (new and old cases) in this study group was 25%. There was positive relation between high blood pressure and old age, diabetes mellitus increased body weight and sex (more common in males}, P-value was (,0.00, 0.026, 0.014, 0.033) respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was high and associated with some modifiable risk factors which should be addressed. Frequent screening and proper treatment is required to prevent complications of this hidden epidemic.