Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertension remains a major global health challenge, including in low- and middle-income countries. In Rwanda, a lack of adequate information and healthcare services impacts healthcare-seeking behaviors, contributing to undiagnosed hypertension in rural areas. Therefore, the need to determine its prevalence and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 393 adults in the Ndera Sector, of Rwanda's Gasabo District, through a multistage sampling technique. Data was gathered using the WHO STEP-wise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire; physical examination was done to determine blood pressure and body-mass index (BMI), after which the data collected was analyzed using SPSS. Newly diagnosed hypertension was determined when on two different intervals, systolic blood pressure readings was > 140 mmHg, and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings was > 90 mmHg, in the absence of previous hypertension diagnosis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension among patients at Ndera sector was 15%, all of which were newly diagnosed. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 37 (13.7) years and half (53%) were women. The mean systolic blood pressure for men was 124.3 mmHg compared to 120.9 mmHg for women (p = 0.043, 95%CI: 0.12-6.74). Women had a significantly higher mean BMI (26.0) compared to men (22.8) (p < 0.001, 95%CI: -4.18 - -2.31). Age (χ² = 37.400, p < 0.001), residence (χ² = 10.200, p < 0.001), BMI (χ² = 22.1, p < 0.001), and lack of knowledge about hypertension (χ² = 25.1, p < 0.001) were the factors with significantly undiagnosed hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Ndera Sector is linked to gender, older age, higher BMI, location, and lack of hypertension knowledge. These findings call for multifaceted approaches, combining educational initiatives, geographical targeting, lifestyle modifications, and policy implementations, all aimed at mitigating the burden of undiagnosed hypertension and enhancing community health within the Ndera Sector.