Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Associated Factors among Inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres
Published: 2023-12-16
Page: 171-183
Issue: 2023 - Volume 5 [Issue 1]
F. U. Agu
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
C. E. Ijioma
Department of Internal Medicine, Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria.
U. Odom
Disease Control and Immunization Unit, Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
M. U. Elendu
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
N. B. Zurmi
School of Public Health, Texila American University, Guyana.
F. U. Ogunnaya
Department of Internal Medicine, Newark Beth Israel Medical Centre, 201 Lyons Avenue, Newark NJ, USA.
I. O. Abali
Department of Surgery, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
O. Austin-Jemifor
Internal Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham, NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
J. E. Odarah
Department of Surgery, Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
U. J. Ogbonna
Clinical Class 3, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria.
A. C. Amuta
Prince George’s County Health Department, 1701 McCormick Drive, USA.
J. E. Areh
Department of Emergency Medicine, Warrington and Halton Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
A. I. Airaodion *
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension among inmates in Nigerian correctional centres and explore associated risk factors.
Methods: The study included 270 adult inmates (20 years and above) from Owerri Correctional Facility and Onitsha Correctional Facility. Data was collected between August and October 2022 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and measurements of anthropometric indices (e.g., BMI, waist circumference) and blood pressure (BP). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The 270 questionnaires administered were all retrieved, cleansed and analyzed. The majority of participants were male (95.93%), of Igbo ethnicity (77.41%), and married (77.04%). The mean age was 41.49 years (SD = 11.29). The prevalence of hypertension was 73.70%, with 34.07% classified as stage 1 hypertension and 21.48% as stage 2 hypertension. None of the participants were aware of their hypertensive status, and none were on medication for hypertension. Factors significantly associated with hypertension included age (p = 0.027), level of education (p = 0.017), duration of incarceration (p = 0.011), conviction status (p = 0.000), occupation before incarceration (p = 0.000), alcohol consumption (p = 0.003), smoking history (p = 0.001), and prior awareness of hypertension (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among inmates in Nigerian correctional centres, with the majority of affected individuals unaware of their condition. Various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors contributed to the increased risk of hypertension among this population. Early detection, management, and health education programs are essential to address this public health concern in correctional facilities.
Keywords: Hypertension, inmates, Nigerian correctional centres, prevalence, risk factors