Dietary Inflammatory Index and Pre-Hypertension Among Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Hypertension is increasingly prevalent globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where prehypertension, often overlooked, is associated with cardiovascular mortality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary inflammatory index and prehypertension among adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Patients aged 18 or older with prehypertension were recruited. Dietary habits were assessed using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: Of 279 respondents, 56.3% had prehypertension. Prevalence varied across age groups, ethnicities, and study sites. Higher body mass index (BMI) and older age were associated with increased prehypertension risk. However, the Dietary Inflammatory Index did not significantly predict prehypertension. Conclusion: Prehypertension is common among adults in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant associations observed with BMI and age. However, dietary inflammation, as measured by the DII, did not independently predict prehypertension in this study. These findings underscore the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors, such as obesity and age-related health management, to mitigate the burden of prehypertension and prevent its progression to hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.