1.1 Background of the Study

Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The global burden of hypertension has risen steadily, with low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, experiencing a disproportionate share of cases (Adeloye et al., 2015). In Nigeria, prevalence estimates vary between 22% and 38% among adults, depending on the study population and diagnostic criteria used (Ogah et al., 2012).

Several factors contribute to this high burden, including urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, obesity, and limited access to healthcare (Akinlua et al., 2015). The epidemiology of hypertension in different Nigerian regions is influenced by socio-cultural, environmental, and genetic factors, underscoring the importance of local-level studies.

Owo LGA in Ondo State is a semi-urban area with a mix of rural and urban populations, where lifestyle transitions and dietary changes may be influencing hypertension prevalence. Understanding the magnitude and associated factors of hypertension at the local level is crucial for designing context-specific preventive and management strategies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite being largely preventable, hypertension is often underdiagnosed and poorly managed in Nigeria due to low awareness, limited screening programs, and gaps in healthcare infrastructure (Akinlua et al., 2015). Many adults remain asymptomatic until complications such as stroke, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease occur, resulting in high healthcare costs and loss of productivity (Ogah et al., 2012).

In Owo LGA, anecdotal reports from health facilities indicate an increase in hypertension-related admissions, yet there is a paucity of population-based data on prevalence and risk factors. Without such information, public health planning and intervention design remain suboptimal.

Identifying modifiable risk factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, salt intake, and physical inactivity will enable the development of targeted health promotion programs. This study will bridge the data gap by determining the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adults in Owo LGA.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

General Objective:

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adults in Owo LGA, Ondo State.

Specific Objectives:

1. To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 18 years and above in Owo LGA.
2. To assess the socio-demographic characteristics of adults with hypertension.
3. To identify lifestyle and behavioral factors associated with hypertension in the study population.
4. To determine the level of awareness and treatment practices for hypertension among hypertensive adults.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of hypertension among adults in Owo LGA?
2. Which socio-demographic factors are associated with hypertension in this population?
3. What lifestyle and behavioral factors increase the risk of hypertension?
4. What proportion of hypertensive individuals are aware of their condition and receiving treatment?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study will focus on adults aged 18 years and above who are permanent residents of Owo LGA. It will employ a community-based cross-sectional design, using multistage sampling to select participants from both rural and urban wards. Blood pressure will be measured using standard procedures, and structured questionnaires will collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary patterns.

Data from this study will provide evidence for health planners to implement locally relevant interventions aimed at reducing hypertension prevalence and improving management in Owo LGA.

References (APA 7)

Adeloye, D., Basquill, C., Aderemi, A. V., Thompson, J. Y., & Obi, F. A. (2015). An estimate of the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Hypertension, 33(2), 230–242. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000000413

Accessed from: https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/Fulltext/2015/02000/An_estimate_of_the_prevalence_of_hypertension_in.3.aspx

Akinlua, J. T., Meakin, R., Umar, A. M., & Freemantle, N. (2015). Current prevalence pattern of hypertension in Nigeria: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 10(10), e0140021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140021

Accessed from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0140021

Ogah, O. S., Okpechi, I., Chukwuonye, I. I., et al. (2012). Blood pressure, prevalence of hypertension and hypertension-related complications in Nigerian Africans: A review. World Journal of Cardiology, 4(12), 327–340. https://doi.org/10.4330/wjc.v4.i12.327

Accessed from: https://www.wjgnet.com/1949-8462/full/v4/i12/327.htm