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ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AT AFRICA RENEWAL UNIVERSITY-KAMPALA
Hypertension is a public health problem and a term used to describe HBP. It is a condition that occurs as a result of repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg whereby a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. However, normal blood pressure is below 120/80; readings between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension. Flow of blood is based on the beat at which the heart pumps blood. The pressure of the heart does not stay at constant level at all times. It varies based on activities an individual do at a particular point in time. Hypertension occurs as a result to long duration of abnormal pressure of the main arteries (Cunha 2011.)Prevention of high blood pressure across all age groups is recognized as the controlling key to hypertension especially in developing countries. Identification of factors associated with hypertension is, an optimum steps to prevention. The purpose of the study was to determine factors associated with hypertension or high blood pressure at Africa Renewal University. Community based cross section survey was conducted so as to get baseline data on the factors associated with hypertension at Africa Renewal University. A total of fifty participants answered both closed and open ended questionnaires. The results of this study suggested that general knowledge of high blood pressure is inadequate at Africa Renewal University. Participants lacked of understanding in the etiology of high blood pressure. For instance: majority of the respondents’ lacked basic understanding of hypertension which was at a total frequency of 32, making 64% of the total respondents. Focus should be on public education in understanding high blood pressure by helping to control it. Findings from this study can assist in health planning programs on factors Associated with hypertension. Health workers need to educate the public on the effects of high blood pressure disease. Awareness must be created that early detection of hypertension is only by screening. The effects of salt reduction can be emphasized on preventing high blood pressure that may intend prevent other cardiovascular diseases. Health workers should increase the individuals control over own health through self-empowerment tool and educational approach.
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