Prevalence of and factors associated with hypertension among the mothers of under 5 children: a cross-sectional study in the slums of Dhaka city

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a significant cause of developing life-threatening cardiovascular complications. The cases of hypertension are increasing day by day at an alarming rate, mainly due to increase in unhealthy lifestyles in urban areas e.g., lack of physical exercise, intake of high salt, high sugar junk foods and drinks and so on. Urban women, especially mothers of U-5 children, are in a vulnerable situation for a variety of reasons. This study was directed to explore the prevalence of hypertension among this group of women from slums of Dhaka metropolis, including its associated factors. Method: We have conducted a cross-sectional study study among mothers having at least one U-5 child in Dholpur and Korail slums of Dhaka city during 24 November 2022 to 10 December 2022 involving the mothers having at least one under 5 children in two slums (Dholpur and Korail) from November 24,2022 to December 10,2022. We used systematic random sampling for identifying 440 mothers in total and finally analyzed data of 424 mothers after addressing inclusion exclusion criteria. Data on sociodemographic, behavioural, and metabolic factors were gathered. Besides, measurements of blood pressure, height ,weight were taken using modified guidelines of WHO STEPS. We classified hypertension and pre-hypertension according to JNC-7th protocol. Appropriate statistical tests were done to show significance of the relationship, if any. Findings: The prevalence of hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or previously diagnosed hypertensive cases by health professionals and/or on going current treatment for hypertension with antihypertensives) among our study population was 12% (Dholpur 9%, Korail 15%) and prehypertension (systolic blood pressure: 120 – 139 mmHg ,Diastolic blood pressure: 80 – 89 mmHg) was 20%. Bivariate analysis revealed association of mothers hypertension with total monthly household income, total no. of children, daily food intake, history of hypertension during past pregnancy, hypertension history in the family, and BMI. In multivariable model, we found risk factors such as past pregnancy history of hypertension (AOR: 10.51; 95% CI: 4.19 – 26.36) and BMI (AOR for overweight: 4.26; 95% CI: 1.55 -11.72 & AOR for obesity: 4.24; 95% CI: 1.69 -10.62) to be significant for hypertension in mothers. Conclusion and Recommendations : The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension in mothers of u-5 children was found at an alarming rate. The significant factors were past pregnancy hypertension history, overweight, obesity. Life style modification and proper knowledge dissemination intervention programme are needed for stopping further progression of the disease among the mothers.