Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among female nurses in private healthcare facilities in Jinja City

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension affects 1.3 billion people globally and is predicted to rise to 1.56 billion by 2025, influenced by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary shifts. Despite being essential to Uganda's healthcare system, female nurses in private healthcare facilities in Jinja face an elevated risk of hypertension due to their demanding roles. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among female nurses in private healthcare facilities in Jinja City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 female nurses in private healthcare facilities in Jinja City using simple random sampling. Data was collected using the WHO stepwise questionnaire. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess factors associated with hypertension. Categorical data was summarized as frequencies and percentages and presented in tables. Results: The overall prevalence was 20.3% (95% CI: 16.4-24.8). Factors associated with hypertension were being above 30 years old (aPR: 3.215, 95% CI: 1.033-10.009), having an unhealthy diet (aPR: 1.453, 95% CI: 1.069-1.976), and consuming alcohol (aPR: 2.187, 95% CI: 1.057-4.525). Conclusions: One in every five female nurses in Jinja City was hypertensive, which is a lower prevalence compared to the general population in Uganda. Being 30 years and above, having an unhealthy diet and consuming alcohol were significantly associated with hypertension. Female nurses should screen regularly for hypertension risk, reduce on alcohol use and eat healthy diets.