Arterial Hypertension in Ivorian University Community: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Authors

• Carine Boka, Jean Jacques n’djessan Medical and emergency department of the Abidjan Heart Institute Ivory Coast
• Euloge Kramoh consultations department of the Abidjan Heart Institute Ivory Coast.
• jean jacques N'djessan, Inès Angoran External Exploration Service of the Abidjan Heart Institute Ivory Coast

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hypertension remains the main modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. It is not uncommon to find it in young black subjects.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension in the student population of Félix Houphouet-Boigny University (FHBU) of Abidjan and to identify other associated risk factors.

Methodology: We conducted a community screening campaign which concerned students aged 18 to 40, from May 14 to November 14, 2018. An individual standardized questionnaire according to the model of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) was used.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 4.1% among the 3996 students included. The mean age was 24.2 ± 4.1 years with a male predominance at 66.6%. Factors significantly associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension were age (p = 0.000), male gender (p = 0.000) and obesity (p = 0.000). Other associated risk factors that impacted the prevalence of hypertension were diabetes and regular alcohol consumption. Diabetes was found in 0.9% of the students of whom 13.5% were hypertensive. Regular alcohol consumption was found in 7% of the students of whom 9% were hypertensive.

Conclusion: HTN exists in Ivorian universities. Controlling the associated risk factors that we have identified could help reduce its prevalence.

Keywords: Hypertension - Prevalence - Young people - Black race