ABSTRACT
Background: Recent scientific reports have shown that high blood pressure is a major public health problem in urban populations of sub-Saharan African countries. Yet, information on this morbidity in the rural areas is limited. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to identify associated factors in rural and semi-urban populations in Burkina Faso. Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted between September and December 2012 among residents of Kaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). A stratified sample of 1481 residents, at least 18 years of age, was randomly selected and interviewed. Anthropometric measurements were carried out. Two blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken after sitting at rest for about 25 to 30 minutes. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic BP of at least 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of at least 90mmHg. Those taking hypertensive medication were also considered hypertensive. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors independently associated with hypertension. Results: The study sample comprised 726 rural residents and 755 semi-urban residents. The weighted overall prevalence of hypertension was 9.4% (95% CI: 7.3%-11.4%); 5.5% (95% CI: 3.8%-7.1%) in the rural areas; and 11.0% (95% CI: 8.8%-13.2%) in the semi-urban areas. In rural areas, older age and higher body mass index were associated with hypertension. In semi-urban areas, older age, not being married, familial history of hypertension, physical inactivity, psychological distress, presence of chronic conditions and poor self-assessment of health, were associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension prevalence was higher in semi-urban than in rural areas of Kaya HDSS, but was overall relatively low. However, it may be possible to further reduce its prevalence and prevent increasing prevalence by acting on the identified risk factors. Encouragement to maintain low body weight through traditional diets and to increase physical activity could be beneficial.