PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AT MERU COUNTY
Abstract
Introduction: Women of reproductive age have relatively low rates of hypertension. However, hypertension in this group present major clinical implications not only because it’s a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease but the challenges it poses during pregnancy and the impact on both maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of hypertension and identifying its physiological risk factors among women of reproductive age at Meru County, with a purpose of laying ground work for surveillance and intervention.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted for this study. Anthropometric measurements, Blood sample collection and BP measurements were carried out among 355 women of reproductive age. Regression analysis and descriptive statistics were utilized in data analysis.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 11.55% (n=41) and the physiological risk factors include age, family history of hypertension, Increased BMI, higher waist circumference, central obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDLs and metabolic syndrome presence.
Conclusions and recommendations: This study concludes that the prevalence of hypertension among women of reproductive age in Meru County was relatively low though a bit higher compared to the 2014 demographic health survey estimates. Women of reproductive age should adopt primary prevention strategies to mitigate the modifiable risk factors that predispose them to development of pre-hypertension