The Prevalence Of Hypertension And Ascertain Its Risk Factors Among Traders In Obio-Akpor Lga, Rivers State

ABSTRACT

The study exermines “The Prevalence of Hypertension and Ascertain its Risk Factors Among Traders In Obio-Akpor Lga, Rivers State”. The study has three objectives. This research was a cross-sectional study designed to be carried out on traders from 18 years and above in Obio-Akpor local government area. The subjects were traders who are up to 18 years in Obio-Akpor local government area. Ten markets were selected randomly through balloting without replacement. Names of market places were written on pieces of paper folded and placed in a bowl. Ten different individuals were asked to pick one folded paper without replacement. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used in collecting data from the respondents. Findings of this study shows that There was high prevalence of pre-hypertension among the study population, There is low consumption of fruits and vegetables among the respondents which generally tend to be rich in potassium needed in the management and prevention of hypertension, There was positive association between hypertension and BMI (overweight), The study therefore recommended among others that, There is need for nutrition education program regarding healthy food choices, eating habits and lifestyle to be targeted at this group. There is also need for sensitization of risk factors of hypertension and regular screening among this group

CHAPTER ONE

• Introduction

Non-communicable diseases have overtaken communicable diseases as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria (Oladapo et al., 2010). The changing disease pattern has been traditionally attributed to recent advances in medicine resulting in the development of drugs and vaccines for the effective control of communicable diseases. Other factors driving this transition include; changes in diet, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and inadequate exercise. There is also rural to urban as well as fetal malnutrition which predisposes individuals to development of non-communicable diseases is hypertension.

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is a diet related disease with high incidence of morbidity and mortality. Identification of its risk factors will inform intervention for its control. Hypertension is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide (WHO, 2010). Many people who are hypertensive are unaware of their condition and among them treatment is not frequent and inadequate. Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with serious organ damaging diseases including heart disease, stroke, blindness and renal diseases (Kumar et al., 2007). These serious complications can be prevented by adequate diet, exercise and blood pressure control.

The market is a meeting place for the distribution, exchange of goods and services between consumers and as such represents the soul of every community in Nigeria. The nature of businesses carried out by traders also involves travelling from one location to another in other to purchase goods for sales or use. The market environment influences both eating habit and lifestyles of the traders. According to Afolabi et al., 2004, they consume diets with mean daily energy initiate for higher than recommended level. They also over eat as a result of stress, sometimes the skip their meals. Also some consume salt-laden fast foods while at work and spend most hours of the day sitting down and are sometimes involved in alcohol consumption later in the day to ease work stress.

Providing information on the prevalence of hypertension of these set of people will contribute to the wealth of the knowledge on the effect of chronic diseases on Nigerians, help to make informed choices on intervention strategies and as well evaluate any on-going attempts to curb the disease.

Traders therefore, represent an important productive sector of the economy. Hence this study is set to determine the prevalence of hypertension and determination of its risk factors among traders in Obio-Akpor local government area, Rivers State of Nigeria.

• Statement of Problem

The health condition of traders is one of the factors that play a major role in assuring progress in their businesses. A study by Onwubere et al., 2011, a community based study of rural and semi-urban population in Enugu Nigeria put the prevalence of hypertension in the community at 34.8%. Also a similar prevalence of 34.8% was observed by Ogbudemi et al., (2012) among traders in Lagos state, Nigeria. This high prevalence among traders is associated with sedentary lifestyle, dietary habits and nutritional knowledge. This study will therefore, evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and determination of its risk factors among traders in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.

• Objectives of the Study

1.2.1    General Objectives

The general objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and ascertain its risk factors among traders in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers state.

1.2.2    Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of this study includes to;

1. Determine the prevalence of hypertension among traders in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.
2. Determine the risk factors of hypertension among traders in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.
3. Evaluate the nutritional status and dietary practices of traders in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.

• Significance of the Study

Data obtained from this research work will be beneficial in the following ways;

1. It will provide information on the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among traders in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers state.
2. It will serve as a guide to nutritionists in conducting nutrition education programs.
3. It will also serve as a guide in making policy towards improving the nutritional health of traders and also help curb the morbidity and mortality rates among traders.
4. To traders who need to be informed about the health and nutrition risks associated with their occupation and lifestyle.
5. It will also serve as a base for further research on the prevalence of hypertension and nutritional status of traders in a broader setting.
   

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   Pages:  52

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF         

   Chapters: 1-5                                 

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.