Prevalence and determinants of hypertension in Lomé (Togo): Results of a screening in May 2011

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in the Sub-Saharan Africa region is increasing as a manifestation of the epidemiological transition, and this fact will oblige these countries to mobilize significant resources. World Bank estimates cheaper to prevent cardiovascular disease than to treat people once these diseases are established suggesting the need to know the prevalence of hypertension in order to allow prevention programs in our population. However, data in Togolese populations are rare. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure and its risk factors in Lomé. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey among 2002 unselected respondents of the municipality of Lomé in May 2011. A questionnaire has been filled about family history of hypertension, habits and practices that affect hypertension on behalf of each respondent and anthropometric data and blood pressure has been measured. Results: The prevalence of high blood pressure was 36.7% (34.6% of male vs. 38.4% of female, OR = 0.85; 95%CI = 0.7-1.02; P= 0.08); 42.4% of the hypertensive respondents have been diagnosed at the screening. Blood pressure was positively correlated to the age (SBP: r= +0.46; P= 0.001; DBP: r= +0.36; P< 0.001), the body mass index (SBP: r= +0.7; P< 0.001; DBP: r= +0.89; P< 0.001) and waist circumference (SBP: r= +0.28; P< 0.001; DBP: r= +0.3; P< 0.001). There was a significant relationship between arterial hypertension and obesity (OR = 1.65; 95%CI = 1.47-1.84; P= 0.003), salt consumption (OR = 1.4; 95%CI = 1.13-1.72; P< 0.001) and oral contraception (OR = 2.1; 95%CI = 1.29-3.43; P= 0.002). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence and low awareness of arterial hypertension in the municipality of Lomé with a female prevalence. This affection was correlated to age, salt consumption and obesity. This study raises the need for accentuating the prevention in our poor populations which are unable to face adverse outcomes which can occur. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS.