Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Private and Public Tertiary Hospitals in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Objective
Nurses face various occupational stressors that are associated with an increased risk of hypertension. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among nurses in private and public tertiary hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between July to August 2023, among nurses from one private and one public tertiary hospital. All eligible nurses from the private hospital were recruited, while stratified random sampling was used to recruit nurses at the public hospital. Data were collected using questionnaires and physical measurements (blood pressure, weight, and height). Hypertension was defined as a blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg, a self-reported history of hypertension, or current use of antihypertensive medication. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics, and logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors independently associated with hypertension.
Results
Among 360 nurses [median (IQR) age 29 (27 – 31) years, 57.5% female, 60% <35 years], 28.9% were hypertensive. After adjusting for age, sex, and high cholesterol, several factors were independently associated with hypertension. Nurses aged over 55 years had significantly higher odds of hypertension (AOR 9.20; 95% CI: 5.90–14.56). Higher educational attainment (AOR 5.20; 95% CI: 2.49–11.01), being unmarried (AOR 1.91; 95% CI: 1.09–3.36), physical inactivity (AOR 3.23; 95% CI: 2.39–15.60), overweight (AOR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.29–3.75), obesity (AOR 3.30; 95% CI: 3.13–13.05), poor dietary practices (AOR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.29–13.75), and short sleep duration (≤5 hours) (AOR 4.20; 95% CI: 1.06–7.73) were significantly associated with hypertension. Work-related stress (AOR 2.86; 95% CI: 1.06–7.73) and attending to more than 15 patients per day (AOR 3.67; 95% CI: 1.32–5.40) were also associated with increased risk.
Conclusion
The study revealed a significant prevalence of hypertension among nurses linked to behavior and work-related factors. Interventions promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and stress management in the workplace are recommended to safeguard nurses’ health, which is essential for healthcare delivery.
