Prevalence of hypertension and associated variables in paid workers in Ilorin, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND The enormous burden of hypertension worldwide and in Africa, informed the decision to measure the blood pressure pattern in salaried workers in Ilorin, Nigeria. These were selected, as they resemble closely those that are likely to be affected by western style living. METHODS It was a cross-sectional study that involved staff of both government and a private organisation in Ilorin, Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty one subjects, comprising of 211 males and 70 females were recruited into the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were determined. RESULTS The prevalence of hypertension was 27.1% in the population, being 28.4% in males and 22.9% in females. Mean SBP and DBP were significantly higher in females (SBP; 139.59 mmHg +/- 20.84, DBP; 86.92 mmHg +/- 10.96) than in males (SBP; 127.39 mmHg +/- 19.55, DBP; 82.16 mmHg). P < 0.05. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age and BMI. Age was correlated to SBP, (r = 0.355, P < 0.01) DBP, (r = 0.322, P < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.143, P < 0.05). Obesity prevalence was 13.2% consisting of males (5.3%) and females (7.8%). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus was similar in both sexes at 1.5%. CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of hypertension among salary earners in Ilorin, Nigeria and this is commoner among males. The degree of increase in BP is worse in female workers. Obesity is on the upward climb in our society and should be addressed early in order to curtail its associated morbidities.