Abstract:

Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which is a known public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the high prevalence of hypertension in Tanzania awareness rate is still low at the community level. This study aimed at determining the level of awareness, control and treatment of hypertension at Nyamagana District in Mwanza Tanzania.

Methods: This is a community based cross-sectional study which was conducted in December 2020 among 288 individuals >18 years and above. A Pretested structured questionnaire will be used to collect participants’ related information after obtaining written informed consent.

Results: The study showed included 288 participants, majority of participants 37.2% were in between 18-30 years’ age group, 23.3% were aged 31-40 years, 18.3% were aged 41-50 years, and those above 50 years were 20.8% 94 (32.6%) participants were found to be hypertensive. Among the hypertensive participants, 49 (52.1%) were aware of having hypertension, while 45(47.9%) were not aware of being hypertensive i.e. they were found to have elevated blood pressure during the study.

Among 49 participants who were aware of their hypertension, 46 (48.9%) were on standard regular treatment, male 23 (46.9%) and female were 23 (51.1%). 31 (33%) participants out of those 46 who were on standard regular treatment had their blood pressure controlled, male being 22 (44.9%) and female were (20%). The study also showed that among 94 (32.6%) participants who were hypertensive, 14 (14.9%) participants had both hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 8 (16.3%) were male and 6 (13.3%) were female, and most of hypertensive participants were between 41-50 age group and 51-60 age group in which each group had equal 31.9%. The study also showed that 67.4% of the participants were aware of the risk factor for hypertension, obesity being the more known risk factor 29.9%, followed by physical inactivity 18.1%, high salt intake 14.2%, alcohol 4.2% and other risk factor 1%.

Conclusion: In the study we found that the awareness of hypertension status in the community is low as nearly half of hypertensive participants were not aware of being hypertensive. Treatment and control of hypertension is much high compared to previous community based studies which has been conducted in Tanzania. We recommend community blood pressure checkup for early detection of hypertension and treatment to prevent complication of hypertension. We also recommend public health programs, practical strategies and involvement of mass media to improve prevention, treatment and control of hypertension in the community.