Gender disparities in hypertension prevalence, awareness and healthcare seeking behaviour among young adults in Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The burden of hypertension and healthcare seeking behaviour can be driven by gender-related inequalities in access to care. Low hypertension awareness often originates in early adulthood, determining gender patterns in hypertension. The factors that contribute to these patterns in this life stage are critical for improving hypertension control and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. This study was conducted to assess the gender disparities in hypertension prevalence, awareness and healthcare seeking behaviour among young adults in three selected states in Nigeria.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we assessed gender differences in prevalence, awareness and healthcare seeking behaviour for hypertension among 924 young adults aged 18 - 40 years in three states of Nigeria (Abia, Oyo and Kano States). Pearson's Chi-square was used to test associations between variables. Predictors of gender disparities were assessed with binary logistic regression at 5% level of statistical significance.

Results: Of these, 416 (45.0%) were less than 30 years old while 508 (55.0%) of the respondents were ≥ 30 years of age with a mean age ± SD of 29.6 ± 6.8 and 29.8 ± 6.8 for male and female respondents respectively. Overall, the prevalence of hypertension among young adults in the three states was 169 (18.2%); higher among females 107 (19.2%) compared to males 61 (16.7%). Awareness of high blood pressure (BP) was higher among female respondents 333 (59.7%) compared to their male counterparts 192 (52.5%) and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Visits to a health care provider was higher among females (16.0%) than males (8.7%). Age, marital status, ethnicity, education and occupation were significantly associated (p < 0.005) with elevated BP among female hypertensives while age, marital status and ethnicity were significantly associated with elevated BP among male hypertensives.

Conclusions: The study showed gender specific differences with regards to the burden, awareness and health seeking behaviour for hypertension among young adults in Nigeria. There is need for gender specific interventions to control the increasing burden of hypertension in Nigeria.