PREVALENCE, AWARENESS AND TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN EGOR COMMUNITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is the leading driver of cardiovascular diseases in Africa and the third largest cause of disability. Its prevalence is highest in older adult population. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension among older adults in Egor Community, Benin City, Edo State. Three research questions were raised to guide the study while two research hypotheses were put forth. A cross-sectional research design was adopted in this study and the study’s population comprised of older adults, aged 50 years and above in Egor community. Systematic sampling technique was used to sample three hundred and twelve (312) older adults in Egor community. A self-structured questionnaire was used to get data from the respondents, which was validated by the researcher’s supervisor. The instrument yielded reliability scores of 0.74, 0.75, and 0.72 for sections B, C, and D subscales respectively. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean statistics were used to analyze the data obtained while bivariate and multinomial logistic regression statistics as well as Spearman Correlation statistics were used to test the stated hypotheses of the study. Results of the study revealed that the prevalence of hypertension among older adults in Egor Community is 51.6% which is quite high while majority of older adults in Egor Community displayed low level of awareness of hypertension. Different treatment modalities were used by the respondents ranging from drug therapy, diet therapy, and behavioural life changes to exercise therapy. The study concluded that hypertension among older adults in Egor Community is a prevalent and significant health concern. The study further recommended that Government at all levels should implement policies that encourage regular blood pressure screening and monitoring for older adults during routine healthcare visits. Also, older adults should develop habits that promote healthy living including maintaining a healthy diet management, exercise, and stress reduction. Keywords: hypertension, hypertensive patient, older adults, treatment modalities used in hypertension treatmen