Risk factors for essential hypertension in a high density town near Harare, Zimbabwe: A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract: A case control pilot study was designed to suggest probable risk factors associated with essential hypertension in a high density town near Harare, Zimbabwe. Fifty cases who were on treatment for hypertension at a clinic were systematically selected from a register of chronic diseases and 50 neighbourhood controls stratified by gender were selected from the community. Eighty six percent of participants were females. Statistically significantly elevated Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were noted for age above 40 years, 8.22(1.90-35.64); not married, 18.31(3.57-93.89); body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 kg/m2, 4.74(1.30-17.29); employed, 12.91(1.97-84.47); having more than four dependents, 5.38(1.29-22.56); and marital conflicts, 11.21(2.24-56.23). Most of our findings support previous findings. Of interest is the finding that suggests a probable association between having to look after four or more dependents and hypertension. Further studies to confirm this association are required before mechanisms of control/treatment can be considered.[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1998;12(1):57-61]