Reference no: EM132202461

Problem Statement

To researcher knowledge, Sierra Leone has limited information on HT and risk factors associated with HT at hospital-based settings. It remains unclear whether the factors identified in other studies, conducted elsewhere, to contribute to the high prevalence of HT apply to the people of Sierra Leone, particularly the adult population. It is critical to identify the risk factors of HT to prevent, diagnose early, and offer treatment promptly if death is to be avoided and money saved (Hassan, 2018). Furthermore, the significance of NCDs like HT is underappreciated by both clinicians and the public health surveillance. Since HT is rarely detected by symptoms, screening of individuals seeking other healthcare services for unrelated problems is strongly advised. It was, therefore, necessary to conduct this study to find out the prevalence of HT and associated risk factors among hospital outpatient attendants to help inform the prioritization of limited resources for the different health problems affecting the people of Sierra Leone.

To understand the implications of different hypertension definitions used to inform policymakers for the development of national guidelines, this study adapted the 2017 ACC/AHA guide to diagnosed hypertension.

Broad objective

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension among hospital outpatient attendants in selected health facilities in the urban area, Freetown, Sierra Leone, 2018.

Specific objectives

To determine the prevalence of hypertension among adults age 20-65 years attending the outpatient departments in three selected hospitals

To identify risk factors for hypertension among adults age 20-65 years attending the outpatient departments in three selected hospitals

To identify the population at highest risk of hypertension among adults age 20-65 years attending the outpatient department in three selected hospitals

To compare the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Sierra Leone with high-income countries (for example the US)

Data analysis

We will analyse data using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage mean and standard deviation for age using a cross-tabulation. The independence Student's t-tests will be used to assess continuing variables and Chi-square tests will be used to assess significant differences between categorical variables. Bivariate logistic regression will be used to ascertain the individual influence of the risk factors on hypertension. Multivariate analysis using stepwise logistic regression will be used to identify independent risk factors for hypertension

We used a modified WHOSTEP and CDC tool attached for data collection.