Prevalence and associated factors with hypertension among pensioners: A cross sectional study in Kigali City, Rwanda, 2023

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a growing public health concern in Rwanda, and it is getting worse by the day. The prevalence and contributing factors of hypertension among pensioners has not yet been the subject of a limited study. According to NCDs risk factors study Rwanda, 2021- 2022, the prevalence of hypertension among elderly aged between 60-69 years was 43.2% while general population aged between 18-69 years was 16.8%(1). This study determined the prevalence and associated factors with hypertension among pensioners in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Methods The study employed a cross-sectional, Quantitative method design with multistage sampling methods. The sample included 220 participants from Kigali and the data were collected from 5th July to 20 August, 2023.The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and included socio-demographic and behavioural Information. The cross-tabulation Chi-square for statistical significance was performed and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to demonstrate the associated factors with hypertension.

Results Of the 220 participants, 53.18% had hypertension and the majority of them were males with 65.81%. Respondents with HIV/AIDS had 18.4 higher odds of developing HTN (adjusted OR: 18.405, 95% C.I =3.228-104.93) compared with respondents with no HIV/AIDs. Respondent with DM (diabetes mellitus) had 16.8 higher odds of developing HTN(adjusted OR: 16.873, 95%C.I=1.591-178.84) compared with respondents with no DM( diabetes mellitus) . Respondents who had had stress sometimes at work had 2.9 higher odds of developing HTN (adjusted OR: 2.902, 95% C.I=1.2000-7.021) compared with those who never had stress at work. Respondents who had had stress several times at work, had 13.5 higher odds of developing HTN (adjusted OR: 13.514, 95% C.I=2.205-82.825) compared with those who never had stress

Conclusion The study found the higher of hypertension among pensioners and the associated factors explored can be prevented. HIV/AIDS, diabetes mellitus and times respondents had stress at work, were significantly associated with hypertension. So, there are still a need for mass campaign for HIV prevention , stress management at workplace, regular exercise and life style modifications to prevent type II diabetes, not only for pensioners at retirement age but also current employees in different domains to be prevented before retirement.