PREVALENCE, AWARENESS AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG MARKET TRADERS IN MBARARA CITY, SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA. NABIRYE AFUSA 2018/BSP/085/PS NAMPIJJA RITAH 2018/BSP/049/PS NINSIIMA PATIENCE 2018/BSP/055/PS NJAKA SADIC 2018/BSP/081/PS ZIRIMENYA JOEL 2018/BSP/074/PS A RESEARCH DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY AT MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. SUPERVISOR: DR ARUBAKU WILFRED NOVEMBER 2022 ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension, a silent killer, is the principal causes of mortality and morbidity globally, and approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide are living with it. It is highly prevalent in developing countries. Data about its prevalence, risk factors and awareness is crucial to curbing its implications in a low resource setting like Uganda. Purpose: To find out the prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara City in southwestern Uganda. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a stratified proportionate random sampling design was carried out among market traders in 4 markets in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda. A modified HELM guided questionnaire on 357 study participants aged >25 years was used together with a height board, automatic blood pressure machines and weighing scales. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 32.5%. Females contributed 26.3% and males 6.2%. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 142.11 and 83.45 mmHg, respectively. Out of the total 116 hypertensive participants, 93.4% (109/116) were newly diagnosed. On average, the participants were overweight (BMI: 29.56). The majority of the participants were found to be physically inactive. Conclusion: A third of the study participants were hypertensive and half were pre-hypertensive. Awareness about hypertension status was low. Low levels of physical activity and obesity were the prevalent risk factors of hypertension. Key words: Blood pressure, hypertension, body mass index, physical activity, noncommunicable diseases, risk factors, awareness, prevalence 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vi DECLARATION vii ABBREVIATIONS viii OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Research study questions 3 1.3 General research objective 3 1.4 Specific research objectives 3 1.5 Problem statement 4 1.6 Justification for the research study 5 1.7 Significance of the study 6 1.8 Conceptual framework 7 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 8 2.0 Introduction 8 2.1 The burden of hypertension 8 2.2 Awareness about hypertension 10 2.3 Risk factors of hypertension 10 2.4 Outcomes of hypertension 11 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 12 3.0 Introduction 12 2 3.1 Study design 12 3.2 Study setting 12 3.3 Study population 12 3.4 Sample size estimation 13 3.5 Sampling 13 3.6 Inclusion criteria 13 3.7 Exclusion criteria 13 3.8 Data collection procedure 13 3.9 Data entry and analysis 14 3.10 Ethical considerations 14 3.11 Quality assurance 15 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 16 4.0 Introduction 16 4.1 Demographics 16 Table 4.1.0 Demographics of the market traders 17 4.2 Lifestyle and health status characteristics of the participants 17 Table 4.2.0 Lifestyle and health status characteristics of the traders 19 Table 4.3.0 BMI and blood pressure grades according to gender and age categorization 21 4.4 Awareness about hypertension 22 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION OF RESULTS 23 5.1 Prevalence of hypertension 23 5.2 Awareness about hypertension 24 5.3 Risk factors of hypertension 24 3 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS, LIMITATIONS, SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 27 6.0 Introduction 27 6.1 Recommendations 27 6.2 Limitations 28 6.3 Summary of findings 28 6.4 Conclusion 28 REFERENCES 29 APPENDICES 41 Appendix 1: Consent form 41 Appendix 2: Questionnaire 45 Appendix 3: Time frame 51 Appendix 4: Budget 52 Appendix 5: Approval letter 53 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To begin with, we thank God, who enabled us to get this far with our research study and made it a success. We also want to thank our wonderful parents for their unending financial support in meeting the research's financial needs. With a lot of enthusiasm, we thank the Department of Physiotherapy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, for equipping us with special knowledge and skills that have enabled us to successfully complete our research study. We also thank our dear supervisor, Dr. Arubaku Wilfred for his upper hand and tireless efforts in always reviewing our work and pointing out areas for improvement. We also pass a vote of thanks to Niyonsenga Jean Damascene and Nuwahereza Amon, who are lecturers in the Department of Physiotherapy, and Nabbosa Maria, a Principal Physiotherapist at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, for assisting us with material for our research study. In addition, we appreciate Ms. Turyakira Eleanor, a senior statistician in the Department of Community Health, for her unending support in making us get more familiar with STATA, a data analysis software. Finally, a special thanks to each and every member of our research group for the great idea we came up with and the unity and enthusiasm exhibited all throughout our research study. 5 DECLARATION We hereby declare that this work that we have presented for the attainment of the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at Mbarara University of Science and Technology is our own work and it has never been presented to any other institution/university for another award whatsoever. All resources used have been well acknowledged with complete references. Researcher Registration number Signature 1. ZIRIMENYA JOEL 2018/BSP/074/PS _______________ 2. NABIRYE AFUSA 2018/BSP/085/PS _______________ 3. NAMPIJJA RITAH 2018/BSP/049/PS _______________ 4. NJAKA SADIC 2018/BSP/081/PS _______________ 5. NINSIIMA PATIENCE 2018/BSP/055/PS ________________ SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE DATE DR WILFRED ARUBAKU ______________ _______________ 6 ABBREVIATIONS BMI: Body Mass Index CVD: Cardiovascular Disease DBP: Diastolic Blood Pressure LMICs: Low-and Middle-Income Countries NCDs: Non-Communicable Diseases SBP: Systolic Blood Pressure WHO: World Health Organization 7 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS BLOOD PRESSURE: The pressure exerted by blood within the arterial system of the body and is measured in mmHg (Walker et al., 1990). SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE: The maximal pressure in the arterial system generated during the contraction of the ventricles (Walker et al., 1990). DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE: The minimal pressure within the arterial system of the body when the ventricles are relaxing (Walker et al., 1990). HYPERTENSION: When a person’s systolic blood pressure (SBP) is greater or equal to 140 mmHg or when the diastolic blood pressure is greater or equal to 90 mmHg or when one is on antihypertensive medication (Burnier and Egan, 2019). PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Any movement of the body executed by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure (WHO, 2022). PHYSICAL EXERCISE: A form of physical activity that is organized and involves repetitions with the main goal of enhancing and sustaining physical fitness (Caspersen et al., 1985). OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE: An abnormally increased deposition of fat in the body which may negatively affect someone’s health (OO et al., 2020). BODY MASS INDEX (BMI): An indicator of a person's thinness or fatness using their weight and height. It is usually used to show whether a person’s weight is normal for their height. It therefore categorizes individuals as: obese, overweight, normal or underweight (Carr and Friedman, 2005). 8 BMI is graded as below according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Category BMI range (Kg/m2) Underweight <18.5 Normal 18.5-24.9 Overweight 25-29.9 Obese >or=30 Classification of Blood pressure according to the joint national committee on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure as seen in the table below (Maiyaki and Garbati, 2014). BP CLASSIFICATION SYSTOLIC BLOOD DIASTOLIC PRESSURE PRESSURE Normal <120 <80 Prehypertension 120-139 80-89 Stage 1 hypertension 140-159 90-99 Stage 2 hypertension >or =160 >or =100 Stage 3 hypertension >or =180 >or =110 9 BLOOD CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction This chapter presents the background of the study, the problem statement, study objectives, study questions as well as justification and significance of the study. 1.1 Background Economically developing countries are undergoing an epidemiological transition from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases (Maiyaki and Garbati, 2014). Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), are the major cause of death worldwide, with 41 million people dying annually, approximately 71% of the overall deaths in the whole world. The four main non-communicable killers include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, which are responsible for 17·9 million, 9·0 million, 3·9 million, and 1·6 million deaths each year, respectively. These together account for more than 80% of all premature NCD deaths (Budreviciute et al., 2020). Over the past 20 years, a drastic rise in the incidence of non-infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa has been fueled by a high incidence of cardiovascular risk factors. For example, physical inactivity, obesity, air pollution, hyperlipidemia, unhealthy diets, hypertension and diabetes have been noted (Melaku et al., 2016). Hypertension is the predominant risk factor for NCDs globally, thus a major precipitant for mortality and morbidity yet its control is not routinely emphasized (Lim et al., 2012, Kaddumukasa et al., 2017, Rahman et al., 2018). If hypertension is not controlled it will lead to catastrophic outcomes which include: renal failure, stroke, cardiac failure and myocardial infarction among other NCDs (Guwatudde et al., 2015). 1 Hypertension is commonly found in populations greater than 25 years of age, with a prevalence of 40% (Campbell and Zhang, 2018). Additionally, the proportion of the population’s understanding of hypertension, its treatment, and control is low in low and middle-income countries despite the increasing prevalence (Bosu, 2015, Mills et al., 2020). In comparison to other continents, Africa faces the greatest burden of hypertension, which is the main adjustable risk factor for NCDs with the greatest incidence, prevalence, and case fatality of NCDs (Owolabi et al., 2016). A study in 2013 estimated that the number of adults with hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa would have exceeded 125 million by 2025 (Kotwani et al., 2013). Hypertension, like other NCDs, is becoming increasingly common in Uganda. Results from the Uganda national NCDs risk factor survey carried out in 2015, where 3906 participants were recruited, showed that 1033 of the participants had hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension from this survey in urban areas and rural areas was 28.9% and 25.8%, respectively, and these numbers might have increased (Guwatudde et al., 2015) A study done in Mbarara City, Kakoba division, southwestern Uganda about sedentary lifestyle and hypertension in the peri-urban areas, which included 310 participants, concluded that 69.7% of the participants were newly diagnosed with hypertension (Twinamasiko et al., 2018). Therefore, studies on awareness, risk factors, and prevalence of hypertension in Uganda are still scarce, and this study will seek to find out the awareness, prevalence, and risk factors of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara City in southwestern Uganda. 2 1.2 Research study questions I. What is the awareness of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda? II. What is the prevalence of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda? III. What are the risk factors for hypertension among market traders in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda? 1.3 General research objective To establish the awareness of hypertension, its prevalence and risk factors among market traders in Mbarara City, southwestern Uganda. 1.4 Specific research objectives I. To establish awareness about hypertension among market traders in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda. II. To determine the prevalence of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda. III. To establish the risk factors of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara, a city in southwestern Uganda. 3 1.5 Problem statement Hypertension is one of the major modifiable predisposing factors for NCDs globally, thus a major precipitant for mortality and morbidity, yet its control is not routinely emphasized (Lim et al., 2012, Kaddumukasa et al., 2017, Rahman et al., 2018). In addition, hypertension is a main risk factor for preventable death (Castro-Porras et al., 2021). According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide are hypertensive, and a high prevalence has been observed in Africa, mostly in low and middle-income countries, with approximately 46% of adults who are aged 25 years of age and above having hypertension (Ibrahim and Damasceno, 2012). Many studies have indicated a rise in the prevalence of hypertension amongst market traders. A study in 3 markets in Lagos, Nigeria among 391 participants found that 46.6% with hypertension were unaware of their hypertensive status (Achonu et al., 2022). One in the market of Dantokpa in Benin among 255 women market traders showed that 34% were hypertensive and of these, 14% were newly screened (Ibrahim et al., 2020). A study in Maiduguri, Borno state in a regional market in Nigeria among 411 market traders showed that 102 were hypertensive and of these, 25% had undiagnosed hypertension (1 in every 4 market traders) (Vincent-Onabajo et al., 2017). The effect of hypertension on the heart and blood vessels has been shown to induce heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, kidney damage and deaths (Kaplan, 2010, Fuchs and Whelton, 2020). Predisposing factors to hypertension include: age, sedentary lifestyle, high BMI, alcoholism, tobacco smoking and diet (Guwatudde et al., 2015, Asemu et al., 2021). 4 Lack of awareness of unrecognized hypertension poses greater risk to the individual, predisposing them to the occurrence of many NCDs (Nwoha et al., 2022). The low levels of awareness about hypertension reported in Africa is a major threat to public health since the population in this area is increasing and, therefore, there will be significantly large populations not aware of the increased risk of complications associated with hypertension in years to come (de-Graft Aikins et al., 2010). The prevalence of hypertension and awareness data is very important in understanding the extent of the problem, recognizing groups at risk for hypertension and examining the outcomes of interventions in policy and practice (van de Vijver et al., 2014). Various studies have characterized market traders with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and old age with low levels of awareness about hypertension, which are the major predisposing factors to hypertension (Fatiu et al., 2011, Ulasi et al., 2011, Awosan et al., 2014, Oparah et al., 2021). In Uganda, data about hypertension among market traders is still limited and therefore less attention is paid to market traders in regard to their increasing predisposition to hypertension. This could lead to increased prevalence and complications of the disease in this population, increased hospital admissions, overwhelming the hospital systems in Uganda. 1.6 Justification for the research study There are increasing numbers of patient admissions in most hospitals in Uganda for NCD related cases for example a four-year retrospective study done at Mulago Hospital reported that majority of patients (72%) had NCDs as the primary reason for admission (Kalyesubula et al., 2019) yet the major risk factor, hypertension, has been given less attention to identify its prevalence, risk factors, and level of awareness among people (Chang et al., 2019). 5 According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases have been predicted to account for about a quarter of deaths worldwide by 2030 (Gabert et al., 2017). There is a need to control these numbers. From recent studies, it has been suggested that people have little knowledge about hypertension and its risk factors, leading to their failure to get hypertension screening and health education about it. There is still limited data about the prevalence, awareness and predisposing factors for hypertension in Uganda; to be specific, the data among market traders, yet they are more at risk, thus triggering the study. 1.7 Significance of the study This research study would inform the health policy makers about the prevalence and the most common risk factors of hypertension in the study population so that more health promotion projects aimed at increasing awareness of people about changing some of their lifestyles could be carried out. The study would benefit the researchers in identifying the awareness gap in the study population and to estimate the extent to which the communities need to be reached out to in order to make them more responsible for their health and hence reduce the prevalence of hypertension. Data regarding the prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension in different settings is crucial to provide a criterion for not only monitoring but also notifying the development of new strategies for improving hypertension control by the ministry of health. 6 This study would emphasize the prioritization of preventive initiatives and screening for hypertension in public health education and media campaigns by health policy makers so that it could be detected and treated earlier to prevent the occurrence of particular NCDs. 1.8 Conceptual framework Social Demographic factors; age, sex, marital status, education background Awareness afe Health complications Awareness about hypertension. Awareness about blood pressure status. Prevalence of HTN Obesity Lifestyle Physical inactivity Tobacco Smoking Alcoholism Diet Too much salt intake 7 Heart disease Stroke Kidney disease Respiratory disease Death among others CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction This chapter points out literature of other studies in relation to this study and constitutes the following; burden of hypertension, awareness about hypertension, risk factors and outcomes of hypertension. 2.1 The burden of hypertension Hypertension is the leading cause and risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (Ostchega et al., 2020) and premature mortality and morbidity worldwide (Vincent-Onabajo et al., 2017). Mills et al. (2020) reported that previous studies had estimated a 31.1% prevalence of hypertension among adults in 2010 which was approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide. Additionally, the hypertension prevalence in low-income countries was higher with 31.5%, which was approximately 1.04 billion people, in comparison to higher-income countries with 28.5%, which approximated 349 million people (Mills et al., 2020). Recent reports by WHO as of August 2021, reported a 33% prevalence of hypertension among adult population worldwide. A study by Ostchega et al.; (2020) among adult Americans suggested the hypertension prevalence to be higher as people age, with a 22.4% prevalence found among those aged 18–39, 54.5% among those aged 40–59, and 74.5% among those aged 60 and over (Ostchega et al., 2020). Several studies and predictions from various systematic reviews also show significant increases in hypertension prevalence in both village and town populations in Africa over time (Bosu et al., 2017, Bakilo et al., 2021). A study in 2013 estimated that the number of adults with hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa would have exceeded 125 million by 2025 (Kotwani et al., 2013). 8 Hypertension is increasingly prevalent in Uganda (Green et al., 2020) yet there is insufficient data about it in the country and the continent of Africa as a whole. Twinamasiko et al., (2018) theorized that since hypertension is asymptomatic, many of the affected people may not be aware of their status (Twinamasiko et al., 2018). According to the Uganda National Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factor Survey, a high prevalence of hypertension (26.4%) was reported among adults in central Uganda, with only 7.7% being aware that they had hypertension (Musinguzi and Nuwaha, 2013, Kaddumukasa et al., 2017, Guwatudde et al., 2015). A high prevalence of hypertension is seen more among the elderly, males, obese people, those with a family history of hypertension, the physically inactive, and those on a diet with fewer vegetables and more additional salt consumption (Helelo et al., 2014). Several studies have reported a significant prevalence of hypertension among traders. A study amongst Jos market traders in Nigeria reported a 26.6% prevalence of hypertension (Daboer et al., 2021), another study carried out among traders in Sokoto central market observed a 29.1% prevalence of hypertension (Awosan et al., 2014) while a community based study among workers in Enugu state Nigeria observed a 32.8% hypertension prevalence (Ulasi et al., 2011). 2.2 Awareness about hypertension The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension is often underreported due to its silent nature (Rahman et al., 2017, Aldiab et al., 2018). Despite the surging prevalence of hypertension, the levels of hypertension awareness are generally low in low- and middle-income countries which increases the financial burden of these countries (Mills et al., 2020). The WHO-SAGE population 9 survey carried out in South Africa among 1847 participants concluded that 43% (802 participants) were hypertensive, yet 58% of the hypertensive were unaware of the condition (Ware et al., 2019). In south-western Uganda, a study done in peri-urban areas of Mbarara showed that 69.7% of the hypertensive were unaware (Twinamasiko et al., 2018). When the population is aware of hypertension, it reduces its exposure to the modifiable risk factors, which will in turn reduce the incidence of hypertension, hence limiting the occurrence of CVDlike strokes in the population (Mokdad et al., 2018). 2.3 Risk factors of hypertension It is suggested that living a sedentary lifestyle is linked to hypertension and, therefore, physically inactive populations should be focused on if we are to produce a greater effect in terms of reducing the NCD burden (Twinamasiko et al., 2018). Others include: Excess salt intake, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, individual’s sex, age, dietary habits, BMI>25Kg/m2 (Landi et al., 2018), family history and marital status (Asresahegn et al., 2017, Omorogiuwa et al., 2021). A study by Mouhtadi et al.; (2018) found that the aged were 2.7 times more susceptible to suffering from hypertension, with males being 2.4 times more vulnerable to suffering from the condition than females. Being obese increased one’s risk of getting hypertension in both males and females as compared to those who had a normal body weight. Smokers had a higher prevalence of 59.3% than non-smokers with 40.7%. Likewise, varying education levels also pose a risk to hypertension where 48% of participants without a university degree had hypertension while 24% of participants with a university degree had hypertension (Mouhtadi et al., 2018). 10 However, Akinremi et al.; (2020) reported that cardiovascular diseases like hypertension are increasingly affecting more of the younger and high-stress populations like single parents, women, and those responsible for their family’s welfare decisions (Akinremi, 2020). A cross-sectional study in northeast China concluded that there was a positive correlation between a reduced sleep period and hypertension among people aged 18–44 years (Chang et al., 2022). 2.4 Outcomes of hypertension Diseases like atrial fibrillation, heart valve diseases, dementia, aortic syndromes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, among others, have been attributed to increased blood pressure as demonstrated by various cohort studies (Akinremi, 2020). In addition, increased blood pressure has been linked to increased risks of coronary heart disease and stroke. The severe organ damage due to hypertension also contributes to its deadly nature (Vincent-Onabajo et al., 2017). 11 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction This chapter includes; the study design, study setting, study population, sample size estimation, sampling, inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection procedure, data entry and analysis, ethical considerations and quality assurance. 3.1 Study design A descriptive cross-sectional study design utilizing quantitative methods among market traders in Mbarara City, southwestern Uganda was used. 3.2 Study setting This study was conducted in the markets of Mbarara City in southwestern Uganda. Mbarara City has six divisions which include: Kamukuzi, Nyamitanga, Biharwe, Kakiika, Nyakayojo, and Kakoba. Each division has at least one main market, making a total of eight main markets in Mbarara City. These include: Koranorya, Mbarara central market, Kizungu, Lugazi, Rwebikoona, Ruti, Makahn Singh, and Kakooba markets. There are a number of market traders in Mbarara City, estimated to be 5000 in the 8 major markets stated. There were both men and women, most of whom were over 25 years of age, selling different items. These traders included: boutique owners, retail shop traders, grocery sellers, clothing, cutlery sellers, charcoal sellers, and many more. 3.3 Study population The target population of the study was market traders operating in different markets in Mbarara City. The study was carried out in four markets, which were randomly selected from the eight major markets. The selected markets included: Rwebikoona, Makahn Singh, Central Market, and Koranorya. 12 3.4 Sample size estimation To estimate the sample size, a Raosoft online calculator was used to compute the sample size of the target population using a margin of error at 5%, a confidence level of 95%, a target population size of approximately 5000 and a response distribution of 50%. The sample size was 357 study participants (Hazra and Gogtay, 2016). Sample allocation was done for each market due to the different number of traders in the different markets, where Central market was allocated 110, Koranorya 110, Rwebikoona 55 and Makahn Singh 82 participants. 3.5 Sampling Each market population was divided into two strata, female and male, and then male and female participants were recruited conveniently. 3.6 Inclusion criteria Market traders aged 25 and above were recruited; traders who had been operating in the market for over 6 months trading, spending at least 4 hours a day and more than 4 days per week working in the market were also recruited (Odugbemi et al., 2012). 3.7 Exclusion criteria Pregnant women at the time of data collection were not recruited into the study in order to eliminate pregnancy-induced hypertension. 3.8 Data collection procedure Consent forms were given to each participant in the study for them to consent, and then researcherguided questionnaires (Modified version of HELM scale) both English and Runyankole versions with close-ended questions were used to examine the awareness of participants about hypertension and lifestyle of the market traders. Each questionnaire had an identification number for each 13 participant and space for demographic data. A height board was used to measure the height of each participant, and values were noted on paper in meters (cm). A calibrated weighing scale was used to measure the weight of each study participant, and values were noted on paper in kilograms (Kgs). Using weight and height values obtained for each study participant, BMI values were calculated using an online BMI calculator and values were noted on paper in Kg/m2. Two automatic blood pressure machines were used to measure the current blood pressure of each participant after allowing 5 minutes for each participant to relax. Then 3 blood pressure measurements were taken, each at an interval of 1 minute from the other, and the average blood pressure value was the mean of the last two blood pressure values, for both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in (mmHg). 3.9 Data entry and analysis Values and text data were entered into Microsoft Excel software program. The researchers then copied the raw data from the Microsoft Excel program and pasted it into the Stata software program. The latter was used to generate frequency distribution tables for categorical data and to calculate mean values for continuous variables. 3.10 Ethical considerations The proposal was presented for approval to the Faculty of Medicine Research Committee of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) for approval. Permission was sought from the chairperson of each market for the study to be conducted. There was voluntary participation in the study, and prior informed consent was given by each participant. The participants retained their right to decline participating or responding to any question without any repercussions for being intimidated by the researchers. For data confidentiality, the researchers used unique identification numbers for each participant and kept consent forms separate from the questionnaires under lock 14 and key. In the dissemination of the researchers’ findings, the identification of each participant remained anonymous. 3.11 Quality assurance To ensure that instruments for data collection like the automatic blood pressure machines, weighing scales and height boards were in good working condition, they were first tested on the researchers to ensure that each researcher knew how to accurately take blood pressure, height, and weight. An approved questionnaire was used. 15 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 4.0 Introduction This chapter presents results of a study conducted among market traders from four markets in Mbarara City, southwestern Uganda, about the prevalence, awareness, and risk factors of hypertension among market traders. It includes the demographics of the study participants, lifestyle and health characteristics, BMI and blood pressure grades according to gender and age categorization and awareness about hypertension. 4.1 Demographics of the market traders In this study, a total of 357 subjects were enrolled, with 263(73.67%) being females and 94(26.33%) males. The mean age was 41.6 ± 11.04 years. Overall, the majority of the subjects were females, 73.7% (263/357) and males constituted the smallest percentage, 26.3% (94/357). The marital status showed that 71.2% (254/357) of the participants were married, 11.2% (40/357) were divorced, 10.4% (37/357) were widowed, and 7.35% (26/357) were single. Looking at the educational level, we found that the majority, 51.82% (185/357), went to primary, 41.2% (147/357) went to secondary, 4.2% (15/357) were degree holders, 1.7% (6/357) were diploma holders, and 1.12% (4/357) received no formal education as seen in table 4.1.0 below; 16 Table 4.1.0 Demographics of the market traders Freq . Percent. Site Central Koranorya Makahn Singh Rwebikoona Total 110 110 82 55 357 30.81 30.81 22.97 15.41 100 30.81 61.62 84.59 100 Sex Female Male 263 94 73.67 26.33 73.67 100 Marital status Married Divorced Widowed Single 254 40 37 26 71.15 11.2 10.36 7.28 82.35 11.2 92.71 100 Level of education Degree Diploma Primary Secondary No formal education 15 6 185 147 4 4.2 1.68 51.82 41.18 1.12 4.2 5.88 57.7 98.88 100 Parameters Cum . 4.2 Lifestyle and health status characteristics of the participants The mean BMI of the study participants was 29.56 ±6.17 Kg/m2. The body mass index of the participants was distributed as follows; 43.7% (157/357) were obese, 31.9% (114/357) were overweight, 23.3% (83/357) had normal BMI, and 1.1% (4/357) were underweight. Furthermore, 66.7% (238/357) of the market traders sit for more than 4 hours daily. 17 There were participants with normal blood pressure (<120mmHg systolic and <80mmHg diastolic), pre-hypertensive (120-139mmHg systolic and 80-89mmHg diastolic), hypertensivegrade 1(140-159mmHg systolic and 90-99mmHg), hypertensive-grade 2 (160-179mmHg systolic and 100-109mmHg diastolic) and hypertensive-grade 3(> or =180mmHg systolic and > or =110mmHg diastolic). The mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 134.46 ± 18.68 mmHg and 83.45±12.26 mmHg, respectively. Of those who were hypertensive, 93.4% (109/116) were newly diagnosed. Overall, 44.6% (160/357) were pre-hypertensive and 32.5% (116/357) participants were hypertensive, where 21.9% (78/357) had grade 1 hypertension, 7.8% (28/357) grade 2 hypertension, and 2.8% (10/357) grade 3 hypertension. 22.7% (81/357) had normal blood pressure. The results of the study show that the majority of participants 52.7% (188/357) use a motorbike from home to their place of work, 36.4% (137/357) walk, 5.0% (18/357) use a vehicle, 2.5% (9/357) use a bicycle, and 1.4% (5/357) walk and use a motorbike. Overall, 98.3% (351/357) of the participants do not smoke cigarettes, with only 1.7% (6/357) of them being current smokers. In addition, 72.8% (260/357) of the participants do not drink any form of alcohol, with 27.17% (97/357) of those who drink alcohol as seen in table 4.2.0 below. 18 Table 4.2.0 Lifestyle and health status characteristics of the traders Freq . Percent . Cum . Class of BMI Normal Obese Overweight Underweight 83 156 114 4 23.25 43.7 31.93 1.12 23.25 66.95 98.88 100 Grade of BP Grade 1 HTN Grade 2 HTN Grade 3 HTN Normal Pre-HTN 78 28 10 81 160 21.85 7.84 2.8 22.69 44.62 21.85 29.69 32.49 55.18 100 Mode of transport Bicycle 9 Motorbike 188 Vehicle 18 Walk 137 Walk, motorbike 5 2.52 52.66 5.04 36.38 1.4 2.52 55.18 60.22 98.6 100 Physical exercise Football, jog Jog Don't do 1 7 349 0.28 1.96 97.7 0.28 2.24 100 Smoke cigarette Yes No 6 351 1.68 98.32 1.68 100 Drink alcohol Yes No 97 260 27.17 72.83 27.17 100 Sitting time <4hrs >4hrs 119 238 33.33 66.67 33.33 100 Parameter 19 Overall, for the participants who were hypertensive, females contributed 26.3% (94/357) and males contributed 6.2% (22/357). For those with grade 1 hypertension, females contributed 16.8% (60/357) and males contributed 5.0% (18/357). Among those with grade 2 hypertension, females contributed 7.3% (26/357) and males 0.6% (2/357). For grade 3 hypertension, males contributed 0.6% (2/357) and females 2.2% (8/357). Females contributed 16.8% (60/357) and males 5.9% (21/357) to normal blood pressure. Overall, females contributed 30.5% (109/357) and males 14.3% (51/357) to the pre-hypertensive. For overall BMI, males contributed 11.8% (42/357) and females 11.5% (41/357) for normal BMI. For the obese, females contributed 39.2% (140/357) and males 4.5% (16/357. For those who were overweight, females contributed 22.7% (81/357) and males 9.2% (33/357), and for underweight, males contributed 0.8% (3/357) and females 0.3% (1/357). Of those who were hypertensive, 18.2% (65/357) were aged between 35 and 50 years, 10.1% (36/357) were above 50 years of age, and 4.2% (15/357) were below 35 years. Of those with prehypertension, 21.1% (75/357) were between 35 and 50 years old, 17.4% (62/357) were below 35 years old, and 6.4% (23/357) were above 50 years old. 11.8% (42/357) of those with normal blood pressure were between the ages of 35 and 50, 8.96% (32/357) were under the age of 35, and 1.96% (7/357) were over the age of 50. Of those who were obese, 24.7% (88/357) were between 35 and 50 years old, 10.4% (37/357) were below 35 years old, and 8.7% (31/357) were above 50 years old. For the overweight, 16.8% (60/357) were between 35 and 50 years old, 8.7% (31/357) were below 35 years old, and 6.4% (23/357) were above 50 years old. For underweight, 0.6% (2/357) were below 35 years of age and the same percentage of 0.3% (1/357) were between 35-50 years and above 50 years of age. Those 20 below 35 years and between 35 -50 years of age had the same percentage of normal BMI of 10.1% (36/357) as shown in table 4.3.0 below: Table 4.3.0 BMI and blood pressure grades according to gender and age categorization Grade of Blood pressure Gender Age Gender Age Parameter Male No (%) Female No (%) <35 years 35-50 years >50 years Normal 21(5.88) Pre-HTN 51(14.29) Grade 1 18(5.04) Grade 2 2(0.56) Grade 3 2(0.56) 60(16.81) 109(30.53) 60(16.81) 26(7.28) 8(2.24) 32(8.96) 42(11.76) 7(1.96) 62(17.37) 75(21.01) 23(6.44) 14(3.92) 41(11.48) 23(6.44) 1(0.28) 18(5.04) 9(2.52) 0(0.00) 6(1.68) 4(1.12) Grade of BMI Over Obese weight 33(9.24) 16(4.48) Parameter Normal Male No (%) Female No (%) <35 years 35-50 years >50 years 42(11.76) Under weight 3(0.84) 41(11.48) 1(0.28) 81(22.69) 140(39.22) 36(10.08) 36(10.08) 11(3.08) 2(0.56) 1(0.28) 1(0.28) 31(8.68) 60(16.81) 23(6.44) 37(10.36) 88(24.65) 31(8.68) 21 4.4 Awareness about hypertension In this study, 94.96% (339/357) didn’t know the range for normal blood pressure, 74.79% (267/357) of the participants knew that hypertension would cause premature death, stroke, visual disturbance and heart disease. 54.9% (196/357) didn’t know that hypertension causes kidney disease. 61.90% (221/357) of the participants didn’t know that smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating red meat would cause hypertension. 76.47% (273/357) were aware that excessive salt and fat consumption, physical inactivity, and stress can all lead to hypertension. 61.63% (220/357) of the participants knew that hypertension is not just a result of aging and that treatment is necessary and that both treatment and change in lifestyle are important in controlling high blood pressure. Overall, participants’ awareness about risk factors of hypertension was good. 22 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION OF RESULTS 5.0 Introduction This chapter relates the results above to the findings of other studies and gives probable explanations for the prevalence, awareness and risk factors of hypertension found among the Mbarara City market traders. 5.1 Prevalence of hypertension The results highlighted a remarkable prevalence of both pre-hypertension and hypertension of 44.62% (160/357) and 32.5% (116/357), respectively, among our study population. This prevalence was higher than a 26.5% HTN prevalence reported in a Ugandan national noncommunicable disease risk factor survey done in 2015 (Wesonga et al., 2016). This could be accounted for by the fact that, on average, the market traders are overweight and most of them are physically inactive. Females contributed a higher percentage of those who were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive because, overall, females constituted a higher proportion of the total population compared to males, which is in agreement with other similar studies done in Sub-Saharan Africa. Another study among 255 market women traders in Dantokpa, Benin, reported a 34% prevalence of hypertension among those traders (Ibrahim et al., 2020). A study among 391 participants in 3 markets in Lagos, Nigeria, reported that 30.9% of the traders were hypertensive (Achonu et al., 2022). However, a community-based study in a market population in Enugu, Nigeria reported that 42.2% of the traders were hypertensive, a percentage higher than this study’s prevalence (Ulasi et al., 2011). Participants between 35 and 50 years of age had the highest prevalence of hypertension at 18.2% compared to other age categories. This could be explained by the fact that this was the age category which contributed the greatest percentage of traders who were overweight or obese. 23 A similar study among people aged 35 to 60 years old found a prevalence of hypertension of 20.5% which was similar to our findings (Mayega et al., 2012) 5.2 Awareness about hypertension Overall, 97.2% (347/357) were not aware of their blood pressure status. Of those who were hypertensive, 93.4% didn’t know their blood pressure status. This could be explained by the fact that very few individuals consulted medical personnel about their blood pressure status. This is comparable to a lower 53.4% of those who did not know their blood pressure status in a descriptive study which was carried out in three markets in Lagos (Achonu et al., 2022). 54.9% had ever consulted a health worker about their blood pressure status. However, this was earlier in life when either they were pregnant or during the management of other illnesses. Many participants knew the consequences of hypertension because many of them had had a relative with hypertension who was suffering from one of the effects of the condition. 5.3 Risk factors of hypertension A large percentage of study participants were found to be overweight or obese (75%), which is way greater than a study done in Ondo state, Nigeria among market traders in Owo, which reported that 39.9% of the traders were overweight or obese (Bolajoko et al., 2020) and another study done in Port Harcourt, Nigeria among market traders with a percentage of those overweight or obese at 44% (Wordu and Akusu, 2018). The same study had a different distribution of the overweight or obese individuals in terms of sex, where males were found to be more obese (33.0%) than females (29%), which contradicts the results of this study, yet the number of participants was almost the same (Wordu and Akusu, 2018). These findings may be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle adopted 24 by market traders due to the nature of their job that requires them to sit most of the time unless they have customers (Odugbemi et al., 2012). BMI is closely associated with gender and ethnicity, according to a study conducted among market traders in the Fiji Islands, which discovered that obesity was more prevalent in women (58%) than in men (Ratumaiyale et al., 2020). Current research has established a close correlation between high BMI and marital status. A systematic review of changes in weight-related outcomes, diet, and physical activity among the cohabiting and married concluded that being married resulted in a higher BMI and reduced levels of physical activity, which could explain why most participants in the current study who were married were also overweight or obese (Werneck et al., 2020). A correlation between hypertension and obesity has already been established by various studies (Leggio et al., 2017, Jiang et al., 2016) and therefore, the implication of this finding is that individuals who are overweight or obese have a higher chance of suffering from a range of healthrelated issues, hypertension inclusive. Very few participants in our study population were found to smoke cigarettes, and a significant percentage of market traders were found to be alcoholic (27.1%). This is comparable with slightly higher values in other studies (Wordu and Akusu, 2018). Another study of 200 participants in mammy markets in Sokoto, Nigeria found a prevalence of alcoholism in market traders of 75%, which was higher than in our study. Alcoholism has been positively correlated with the occurrence of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in many research studies (Odugbemi et al., 2012). This study found out that most of the market traders are physically inactive, with 97.7% of market traders not involving themselves in any form of physical exercise. According to this study, some 25 of the physical exercises included: jogging, walking, football and cycling for at least 30 mins (Odugbemi et al., 2012). Also, most of the market traders sit for more than 4 hours a day and use their motorcycles as a means of transport to and from work. These results correlate with a 92% prevalence of physical inactivity which was found in an urban market in Lagos, Nigeria (Odugbemi et al., 2012). A higher prevalence of physical inactivity was found in this study as compared to a study among traders in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria which found a 58.3% prevalence of physical inactivity (Ukweh et al., 2021). Based on the nature of the traders’ daily work, the higher levels of physical inactivity found was not surprising because they spend most of their time seated in their stalls; that is, from 8am to 7pm with little or minimal chance of breaks since failure to remain consistently available in their stalls could lead to the loss of potential customers or buyers since customers’ visits are not predictable. 26 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATION, LIMITATIONS, SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION. 6.0 Introduction This chapter explores the various limitations `encountered by the researchers throughout the research process, the various recommendations to all the stakeholders, a summary of the findings and a conclusion. 6.1 Recommendations To the market executive committee According to the findings, market traders were not aware about the causes of hypertension thus we recommend the market executive to organize health promotion sessions in which they invite health workers to expand more on hypertension, its prevention, control and management. To the researchers Since this study didn’t involve following up participants, we recommend other researchers to carry out a similar study in which participants are followed up for at least three days. To the local government This study found a high prevalence of market traders who were newly diagnosed with hypertension. The researchers therefore recommend the local government to make announcements over different media platforms to remind all market traders to do blood pressure check-up at least every month. 27 6.2 Limitations of the study This research study had certain limitations which included limited literature about our target population (market traders). The study design didn’t allow the researcher to follow up the participants thus limiting them from getting the real number of participants who were hypertensive because to confirm that a person is hypertension, he/she must be followed up for a minimum of 3 days. 6.3 Summary of the findings The study found a high prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension among the participants of 42.6% and 32.5% respectively. Most of the participants were not aware about the risk factors of hypertension. The most prevalent risk factors of hypertension were being overweight and physically inactive. 6.4 Conclusion The high prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension found among the participants marks market traders as a special at-risk group for hypertension. This is a major public health challenge. The high prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in this group may be explained in part by their sedentary lifestyle and overweight. 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Cohabitation and marriage during the transition between adolescence and emerging adulthood: A systematic review of changes in weight-related outcomes, diet and physical activity. Preventive medicine reports, 20, p.101261. Wesonga, R., Guwatudde, D., Bahendeka, S. K., Mutungi, G., Nabugoomu, F. and Muwonge, J. 2016. Burden of cumulative risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases among adults In Uganda: evidence from a national baseline survey. International journal for equity in health, 15(1), pp.1-10. WHO. 2022. Physical Activity [Online]. WHO. available: https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/physical-activity [accessed 23 november 2022 2022]. 39 Wordu, G. and Akusu, O. 2018. Dietary Pattern and Prevalence of High Blood Pressure among Adult Traders in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 11(1), pp.1-7. 40 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Consent form MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda Tel: +256-4854-33795 Fax: + 256 4854 20782 Email: irc@must.ac.ugmustirb@gmail.com Website: www.must.ac.ug Study title AWARENESS, PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG MARKET TRADERS IN MBARARA, A CITY IN SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA Dear respondent, you are kindly requested to participate in a study which will investigate about awareness, prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among market traders in Mbarara city. You are free to ask the investigators any question about what you do not understand concerning the study which will be promptly answered. Purpose of the study During the study process, the researchers’ main aim will be to assess the current awareness about hypertension, its prevalence and risk related factors among market traders in Mbarara city. Following your assent, a questionnaire written in English/ Runyakole will be administered to you containing questions that will cover social demographics except the name, other questions related 41 to your current awareness about hypertension and about your lifestyles to get a clue about some of those lifestyles that might redispose you to getting hypertension. Your blood pressure, height and weight will be measured to help us know your blood pressure status, and the risk factors for hypertension. What you need to know about this study As you are being requested to participate in the study, this consent letter explains the research study and your part in the study. Please read it carefully, take as much time as you need for proper understanding of the information in it. Please note that you are a volunteer and thus you can choose to take part or not and you remain with the right to quit at any time as your will. There will be no penalty if you decide not to participate or quite the study. Why are you being requested to participate The researchers do believe that you are equipped with the information required to fulfill the aims of their study. Discomforts / fears You will experience some minimal discomforts during blood pressure measurements and the information provided will be confidentially handled. Benefits of the study Being the first study to be conducted at Mbarara University of science and technology, the findings could act as a foundation for further research. This study will be used by policy makers of Mbarara city to develop policies that will provide favorable working conditions for market traders. Will also be used to create awareness about hypertension, identify the prevalence of hypertension and 42 the risk factors for hypertension among market traders in Mbarara city. You will also be able to know your current blood pressure status at the end of the research study. Incentives / rewards for participating There will be no incentives or payment given but your co-operation is of value to the researcher. Risks There will be a risk of disclosure of abnormal results. This will be dealt with by referral to other health care providers for further management Confidentiality You can be assured that the researchers will not use your name on a questionnaire or anywhere and the information you provide will not be shared with anyone unless you permit the researchers to do so. Thus, you will be interviewed individually in a place free from interference, and the response you will provide to the researchers will be coded and the data capturing tools will be kept under lock and key. Researchers 1. ZIRIMENYA JOEL (0757884715/0773078515) 2. NAMPIJJA RITAH (0756859523) 3. NINSIIMA PATIENCE (0759453859) 4. NABIRYE AFUSA (0754567010) 5. NJAKA SADIC (0757017259) 43 What your signature / thumb print means on this consent form Your signature on this consent form means that you have been informed about the study to be conducted, purpose, procedure, discomforts, confidentiality, benefits of the study and you have been given a chance to ask any question before your sign and you have voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Initials of participant __________________ Signature/ thumbprint of participant________ Date___________ 44 Appendix 2: Questionnaire RESEARCH STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE AWARENESS, PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG MARKET TRADERS IN MBARARA CITY IN SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA Identification number of participant: _____ Demographic and social factors: 1. Age: 2. Sex: Marital status: Single Married Divorced Level of education 45 AWARENESS ABOUT 4. Have you ever consulted your HYPERTENSION/ HIGH BLOOD health worker about your blood PRESSURE pressure status? Yes 1. When somebody’s blood pressure Never is 115/75, it is 5. Rate your confidence in detecting High hypertension/high blood pressure Low Very confident Normal Confident Do not know Not confident. I will need more 2. If someone’s blood pressure is guidance. 160/100, it is---? 6. Do you know of anyone who has High high blood pressure? Low Yes Normal No Do not know 7. High 3. When someone has high blood blood pressure if left untreated, can cause a person to pressure, it usually lasts for? have a stroke A few years Yes 5-10 years No The rest of their life Do not know Do not know 46 8. Increased blood pressure can cause No heart diseases such as heart attack Do not know if left untreated 13. Eating much salt usually makes Yes blood pressure No Go up I don’t know Go down 9. Increased blood pressure can cause Stay the same premature death if left untreated Do not know Yes 14. Smoking a packet of cigarettes per No day will not affect a person risk of I don’t know hypertension 10. Increased blood pressure can cause Yes kidney failure if left untreated No Yes Do not know No 15. A person with high blood pressure I don’t know should eat less fat 11. Increased blood pressure can cause Yes visual disturbances if left untreated No Yes Do not know No 16. A person with high blood pressure I don’t know should eat fruits and vegetables 12. High blood pressure can be cure? frequently Yes Yes 47 Know Yes Do not know No I don’t know 17. Moderate to vigorous exercise 30 minutes/day 3-5 times a week 22. Stress does not cause hypertension lowers blood pressure Yes Yes No No I don’t know Do not know 23. Physical inactivity can cause 18. Do you know your current blood hypertension pressure status? Yes Yes No No I don’t know 19. If Yes, are you: Normal Hypertension is a result of aging, so Hypertensive treatment is unnecessary 20 When did you last test for your Yes blood pressure? No One year ago I don’t know More than a year ago 19. If the medication for increased Never blood pressure can control blood 21. Excessive alcohol consumption does pressure, there no need to change not cause hypertension lifestyle 48 Yes Red meat No White meat I don’t know I don’t know 20. If individuals with increased blood LIFESTYLE OF MARKET pressure change their lifestyle, they ATTENDANTS don’t need treatment 1. How long do you stay seated in a Yes day? No Less than I don’t know Most of the times 21. Drugs for increased blood pressure must be taken every day 2. What means of transport do you Yes use? No Walk I don’t know Bicycle 22. Individuals with increased blood Motor bike pressure must take their Vehicle medication only when they feel ill 3. Do you do physical exercises? Yes Yes No no I don’t know 4. If yes, which physical exercises do 23. The best type of meat for you engage in and how long per individuals with increased blood session pressure is Jogging 49 Walking More than 5 Foot ball 7. Do you drink alcohol? Others Yes 5. Do you smoke cigarettes? No Yes 8. If yes how many bottles do you take No in a week? 6. If yes how many sticks a day? <5 1 5-10 2-5 >10 50 Appendix 3: Time frame YEAR 2021 MONTHS OF THE J YEAR 2022 A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N U U E C O E A E A P A U U U E C O L N B R R Y N L G P T V G P T V C Y PROPOSAL WRITING ETHICAL APPROVAL DATA COLLECTION DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSIS REPORT WRITING DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS RESEARCH BOOK SUBMISSION 51 T Appendix 4: Budget ITEM NO OF ITEMS TOTAL AMOUNT Consent forms 360 80000 Questionnaire(both for 360 220000 english and runyakole) Transport Five people@40000 200000 printing and binding (final) 200000 Miscillaneous 100000 TOTAL AMOUNT 710,000 52 Appendix 5: Approval letter 53