Title:
Influence of Socio-economic Factors in the Distribution of Arterial Hypertension in Ohafia Lga, Abia State, Southeast Nigeria

Authors:
Amadi C.O.A; Amadi A.N; Ede A.O; Iro, O.K; Nwazunku A.A; Obasi K.O; Anunonwu C.C.O; Iwuoha G. and Ezirim K.T, Nigeria

Abstract:

Hypertension can described as a non-communicable disease that can lead to further complications like stroke and heart disease. This study was carried out to determine the influence of socio-economic factors in the distribution of arterial hypertension in Ohafia LGA, Abia State, Southeast Nigeria. The study employed a cross sectional research design to obtain information on the association of the socio-economic factors with hypertension using questionnaire after being examined of their blood pressure level. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. A total of 1244 participants gathered from various communities in Abia State, Southeast Nigeria were involved in this study. A prevalence rate of 29.66% was observed from the study. The age distribution of hypertensive subjects showed that subjects above 60 years had the highest frequency of hypertension making up 13.67% of the general population. The gender distribution of hypertensive subjects showed that 187(15.03%) were males and 182(14.63%) were females. Results obtained on the occupation of hypertensive subjects showed that 126(10.13%) were civil servants, 110(8.84%) were farmers, 36(2.89%) were traders, 40(3.22%) were artisans and 25(2.01%) were unemployed. On the education of the hypertensive subjects, 138(11.09%) obtained only Primary Education, 69(5.55%) stopped at Secondary Education, 86(6.91%) acquired Tertiary Education while 74(5.95%) had no formal education. The income distribution of hypertensive subjects showed that 252(20.25%) earned below the ₦18,000 while 97 (7.80%) earned above ₦18,000. On the distribution of social class of the hypertensive subjects, 212(17.04%) reported to be in the lower social class, 142(11.42%) were in the middle class while 14(1.12%) were in the upper class. The chi-square tool was used to determine the statistical influence of the variables. In conclusion, socio-economic factors were found to be significant in the occurrence and distribution of hypertension and therefore, Medical practitioners are encouraged to take their services to the remote villages and make it affordable for the poor people.