Thesis Format
Monograph
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Stranges, Saverio
2nd Supervisor
Luginaah, Isaac
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
Hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mortality, disproportionately affects the developing world. This systematic review, meta-analysis, and secondary data analysis estimate hypertension prevalence among adults aged 15+ in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin, using nationwide population-based studies from 2000-2024. Forty-six studies were included in the systematic review, showing an overall pooled hypertension prevalence of 27% (95% CI: 23%, 32%). Using proportions and logistic regression analysis, secondary data analysis in Benin examined the prevalence and associations between several sociodemographic factors and hypertension. Stratified by sex, the study revealed higher hypertension prevalence in men (21.7%) compared to women (14.4%). Both sexes showed higher prevalence with increasing age and diagnoses of heart disease (men [aOR=7.60(95% CI:4.00-14.44)]); women 2.77[95% CI:1.68-4.55]) compared to those without heart disease.
These findings can inform longitudinal studies that will help formulate public health policies targeted at early hypertension screening and treatment, reducing related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords
Hypertension; prevalence; risk factors; sub-Sharan Africa; Benin; nationwide population-based; demographic and health survey; systematic review; meta-analysis; non-communicable diseases
Summary for Lay Audience
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, disproportionately affecting the developing world. People living in developing countries have a higher burden of high blood pressure, but there is little research into this condition in many African countries. This review is composed of two sections. The first section looks thoroughly into the literature from six databases. This part of the research includes forty-six studies that met the criteria for inclusion. The percentage of adults 15+ in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with hypertension was 27%. Sex, employment status, overweight/obesity, place of residence, and smoking status were associated with a higher risk of hypertension.
The second section of the study used data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey for Benin. The frequency of hypertension was projected among women and men. The study's participants included 15,928 women and 7,595 men. Women and men in the dataset that met the definition of hypertension were 7,706 and 3,667, respectively, with 21.7% of the men having a higher frequency of hypertension as compared to 14.4% of the women. Factors associated with hypertension included age, educational status, employment, marital status, diabetes, and heart disease. In women, being divorced/separated, widowed, and married/living together were associated with hypertension. In men, secondary/higher education and smoking were associated with hypertension. However, the place of residence was not associated with hypertension.
In conclusion, further studies are necessary to better understand the risk factors for hypertension in SSA. Policies that include mass screening and media education on hypertension are essential to reducing the frequency of hypertension and thereby reducing the rate of cardiovascular diseases.
Recommended Citation
Tiwaa-Boateng, Nana Ama Miss, "Hypertension Burden in Sub-Saharan Africa: prevalence estimates and sociodemographic drivers" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10437.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10437