Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hypertension affects over a billion people worldwide, making it a major public health problem. The problem is significant in both developed and developing countries. However, studies are scarce in developing countries such as Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors at the community level, in South Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed on a sample of 680 participants in the study from April 1 to June 30, 2022. An interview administer was conducted using a standardized and pretested questionnaire was employed. The Epi data 3.1 versions were used to enter data and then exported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. All variables in the multivariable logistic analysis were a candidate with a bi-variable at p < .25. The multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the predictors of hypertension, and the significance level was established with p < .05. RESULTS: There were a total of 635 participants and the response rate was 93.4%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 22.0% [95% CI; 19.1-25.4]. The mean age of the participants was 40.8 ± 12.88 years. Being older age (AOR: 1.95; 95%CI; 1.13-3.36), family history [AOR: 2.65, 95%; CI (1.29-5.45)], eating animal fat [AOR: 0.21, 95%; CI (0.08-0.52)], smoking cigarettes [AOR: 4.06, 95%; CI (2.24-7.36)] and had poor knowledge about hypertension [AOR: 2.69, 95%; CI (1.61-4.49)] were significantly associated with raised blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was prevalent in one out of every five study participants. Older age, family history of hypertension, animal fat intake, cigarette smoking, and lack of knowledge were found to be significant factors for hypertension. To address the burden of hypertension, health care practitioners should provide broad health education, routine screening, and promotion of recommended lifestyle measures.