Hypertension and associated factors in Atlantic region of Benin in 2015: A community-based study

Hypertension is a major public health problem that does not spare Sub-Saharan Africa and especially Benin. There is scarce data on the factors associated with this condition in areas of high population pressure in Benin. We investigated factors associated with hypertension in Atlantic region. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Benin in the Atlantic region for people aged 18 and over. This was an analysis of data collected during the STEPS Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance Survey during the last quarter of 2015. We estimated the overall prevalence of hypertension and determined associated factors using a logistic regression model including factors with a p-value less than 0.20 in the univariate analysis. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 33.2% [95% CI (29.8-36.7)]. Age was associated with hypertension (global p-value ≤ 0.001). In addition, obesity and high salt intake were independently associated with hypertension AOR; 95%CI were 4.89 (2.74 - 8.73) and 1.54 (1.07 - 2.21), respectively. In the Atlantic region of Benin, factors associated with hypertension were age of at least 35 years, obesity and high salt consumption. Strategies that promote physical activity, reducing salt intake and fat could decrease the burden of the disease. Key words: Hypertension, associated factors, age, obesity, salt, Benin.