Hypertension Prevalence and Undiagnosed Cases in Sudan: An analysis of associated risk factors

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of hypertension has escalated globally, affecting approximately 1.39 billion people worldwide out of an estimated global population of 8 billion, with two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among adults in Sudan, assess hypertension control, determine the frequency of undiagnosed hypertension, and identify associated risk factors.

Method: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted at Primary Health Care centers in Karrari Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan, between April 2022 and January 2023, using a multistage sampling method. Two primary methods for data collection are direct interviews and anthropometric measurements. A P-value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered indicative of statistical significance, where the level of confidence was 95%.

Findings: The study involved 385 participants, with 48.6% diagnosed with hypertension, 58.2% having controlled blood pressure, 41.8% uncontrolled, and 6.5% undiagnosed, resulting in a total HTN prevalence of 55.1%. Notably, 44.4% of those with diagnosed HTN were non-smokers, and 37.9% reported never exercising. Central obesity was more prevalent among those diagnosed (63.3%). Increasing age (B = 0.030, p = 0.002) and male sex (B = 0.087, p = 0.029), higher waist circumference (B= 0.132, p= 0.002), were significant risk factors, while exercise frequency (B = -0.172, p = 0.001) and lower salt intake (B = 0.327, p = 0.001) were linked with reduced risk. Overall, the findings highlight a significant burden of HTN and its risk factors in the population studied.

Conclusion: This study underlines the high prevalence of hypertension in Khartoum, Sudan, with age, male sex, and central obesity as important risk factors, urging the need for improved measures.