Prevalence of hypertension among adult outpatient clients in hospitals and its associated factors In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a hospital based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research is to measure prevalence of hypertension and associated factors adult outpatient clients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

RESULTS: A total of 487 participants were included in the study. The prevalence of hypertension was (34.7%), 95% CI (30.6-38.8), of them 53.8 were Male and 46.2% were female. Among 169 participants identified as having high blood pressure, 131 (66.5%) were aware of their blood pressure, from those 96 (48.7%) of them were receiving antihypertensive medication. Mean elevated systolic blood pressure was 124.7 ± 20 (SD) and diastolic blood pressure was 81.5 ± 9.8 (SD). The multivariable regression analysis showed that having ever been told hypertension (AOR = 15.47, 7.74-30.89); using animal product butter (AOR = 2.66, 1.25-5.67); physical inactivity (AOR = 2.83, 1.34-6.01) and BMI 25.0 to 29.9 and greater than 30 (AOR = 5.02, 1.58-15.94 and AOR = 3.98, 1.04-16.01, respectively) were statistically significant predictors of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was considerably high. The health system needs to develop strategies to increase the reach of relevant screening and diagnostic services.