P1946Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control and 10-year estimated CVD risk in East and West Africa: pooled analysis of data from 4 African countries

Background

Though the prevalence of hypertension is rising in Sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have characterized the epidemiology and management of hypertension across many heterogeneous communities. We assessed prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension and estimated the 10-year cardiovascular risk across six sites in East and West Africa.

Methods

Between June and August 2018, we conducted household-based surveys in 6 rural, semi-urban and urban settings in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda to enroll community-dwelling adults (aged >18 years) collect data including age, gender, smoking, anthropometric measures, health insurance, utilization of health care facilities. We defined hypertension as systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure of at least 90 mm Hg, or self-reported antihypertensive medication use. We used country specific Globorisk prediction equations to estimate 10-year CVD risk.

Results

A total 3,150 participants with a mean age of 40 years (SD 15), 61% of whom were women, 8% had ever smoked, and 33% were overweight/obese. About 23.7% (95% CI 22.2, 25.2) of the entire sample had hypertension, of whom 60.6% (56.8, 64.3) were diagnosed. Among diagnosed, 61.7% (57.2, 66.1) were taking antihypertensives, and 27.7% (22.7, 33.1) had controlled BP. The prevalence of hypertension was 38.6% in Ikire-Nigeria, 25.1% Ukonga-Tanzania, 23.3% in Oyo-Nigeria, 21.6% in Okpok-Nigeria, 20.4% in Soroti-Uganda, and 9.7% in Viwandani-Kenya. The overall median estimated 10-yr CVD risk was low 4.6% IQR (2.3, 9.6) and 8.6% had 10-yr CVD risk >10%. (Figure 1)

Conclusion

Among African adults aged >18 years, nearly a quarter have hypertension, three in 5 being treated, and fewer than three in ten had BP under control. The low number of people in control is ubiquitous in all sites and warrants greater prevention strategies, better screening and more effective and affordable treatment options than what is currently available.

Community survey on blood donation practices in a northern state of Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Volunteer blood donors account for less than half of the blood supply in developing countries; and few countries have mobilized efforts to encourage voluntary blood donation (VBD). The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and blood donation practices among adults in a state in Northern Nigeria.

METHODS

Descriptive cross sectional study using multistage sampling technique was carried out among 936 respondents. Semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to generate relevant data and information from the respondents. Data entry and analysis was done using EPI-info software package.

RESULTS

The knowledge of the respondents on blood donation was low. Less than half 432 (46.2%) knew some indications for blood transfusion. Two hundred and twelve (22.6%) respondents had donated blood in the past but only 1% of these were VBD while 95% were donations based on blood needs by family members, relations and friends. Few respondents 112 (12%) had received blood transfusion in the past, and the main source of blood transfused was paid commercial donors 50 (44.6%). The fear of HIV screening was a major hindrance and limitation to voluntary blood donation among respondents.

CONCLUSION

The gaps in knowledge & practice of VBD can be addressed through public awareness campaigns, and motivational programmes such as free medical services for voluntary blood donors.