Knowledge and Risk Factors on Hypertension Among Reproductive Aged Women Attending Kambarage Health Center Shinyanga, Tanzania.
Knowledge and Risk Factors on Hypertension Among Reproductive Aged Women Attending Kambarage Health Center Shinyanga, Tanzania. - Mwanza, Tanzania | Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS-Bugando] | 2024. - 49 Pages Includes References
Abstract:
Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases globally, affecting over 1.5 billion people. Defined by a blood pressure (BP) of 140/90 mmHg or higher, HTN significantly raises cardiovascular risk with each increment above 115/75 mmHg. Research on HTN awareness among reproductive-aged women in Sub-Saharan Africa is limited.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 113 reproductive-aged women attending Kambarage Health Center, Shinyanga, Tanzania, from June to August 2024. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS 20.0, employing Chi-square tests with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The study found 65.5% of participants knowledgeable about HTN, with 57.5% correctly identifying it as BP >140/90 mmHg. Notable risk factors included family history (37.2%), high salt intake (38.1%), smoking (27.4%), and alcohol consumption (36.3%).
Conclusion: Despite good overall knowledge, significant gaps and lifestyle risk factors were identified. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve awareness and promote healthier lifestyle choices among reproductive-aged women in the region
--Community, Maternal and Child Health.