Prevalence and associated risk factors for hypertension among staff of a tertiary hospital in Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study examines the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among staff of a tertiary hospital in Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in year 2024 among 382 consenting staff members of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria, after obtaining ethical approval. Data on demographic characteristics and risk factors for hypertension were collected using a modified version of the Global Lifestyles Questionnaire (GLQ). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant predictors of hypertension, with results presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Most respondents were clinical staff (79.9%). Overall prevalence of hypertension among the study participants was 22.5%, with a slightly higher prevalence in females (23.6%). Physical inactivity was significantly associated with hypertension (p = 0.031); inactive individuals were four times more likely to develop the condition (AOR = 4.223, p = 0.001). No significant associations were found between hypertension and smoking (p = 0.487), alcohol consumption (p = 0.212), or the intake of fast/processed foods (p = 0.722). Work-related stress showed a significant correlation with hypertension (p = 0.034), with a prevalence of 28.6% among highly stressed individuals compared to 14.9% among those reporting lower stress levels. Conclusion: Physical inactivity and work-related stress are significant risk factors for hypertension among hospital staff. Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the risk of hypertension and improve overall staff well-being.