Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and associated risk factors in an informal settlement in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Cross-sectional Study

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Abstract Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), especially hypertension and diabetes mellitus are on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Informal settlement dwellers exhibit a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors and are highly vulnerable to hypertension and diabetes. However, no study has assessed the prevalence of hypertension and high blood glucose levels among informal settlement dwellers in Sierra Leone. We conducted a study in June 2019 to determine the prevalence of hypertension, high blood glucose, and associated risk factors among adults living in the largest Sierra Leonean informal settlement (KrooBay). Methods and materials We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among adults aged ³ 35 years in the KrooBay community. Trained healthcare workers collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported health behaviours using the World Health Organization STEPwise surveillance questionnaire for chronic disease risk factors. Anthropometric, blood glucose, and blood pressure measurements were performed following standard procedures. Logistics regression was used for analysis and adjusted odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify risk factors associated with hypertension. Results Of the 418 participants, 242 (57%) were females and those below the age of 45 years accounted for over half (55.3%) of the participants. The prevalence of smoking was 18.2%, alcohol consumption was 18.8%, overweight was 28.2%, obesity was 17.9%, physical inactivity was 81.5%, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was 99%. The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 34.2% (95% CI 29.6-38.8%), diastolic blood pressure was 39.9% (95% CI 35.2-44.6), and participants with high blood glucose were 2.2% (95% CI 0.7-3.6%). Being aged ≥ 55 years (AOR= 7.35, 95% CI 1.49-36.39)and >60 years (AOR 8.05; 95% CI 2.22-29.12), separated (AOR= 1.34; 95% 1.02 - 7.00), cohabitating (AOR= 6.68; 95% CL1.03-14.35), vocational (AOR =3.65; 95% CI 1.81-7.39 ) and having a university education (AOR=4.62; 95% CI 3.09-6.91) were found to be independently associated with hypertension. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension, high blood glucose , and associated risk factors was high among the residents of the Kroobay informal settlement. There is an urgent need for the implementation of health education, promotion, and screening initiatives to reduce health risks so that these conditions will not overwhelm health services.

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