Prevalence and trend of hypertension secondary data analysis from 2013 to 2020 of Mekelle zone, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2021

Introduction : Hypertension is a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg that contributes to the burden of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature mortality and disability. There is limited evidence on the trend and magnitude of hypertension in Tigray, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the magnitude and trend of hypertension among individuals visiting outpatient and inpatient units of health facilities in the Mekelle zone, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods : A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mekelle zone, Tigray, Ethiopia from August 2 ^nd -4 ^th week, 2021. This study was done using secondary data from July 2013 to June 2020. The data was extracted from the health management information system and district health information software monthly report of Tigray Regional Health Bureau and analysis was done through Microsoft Excel 2020. Results were presented with texts, tables, graphs, and charts. Result : Overall 53,386 outpatient cases, 4161 inpatient cases, and 135 deaths were reported during the seven-year reporting period due to hypertension. The overall prevalence of hypertension is 25/1000 with 28/1000 and 22/1000 in males and females respectively. Similarly, prevalence among ≥15 years was 44/1000 with 38/1000 in adult males and 50/1000 in adult females. The death rate was 6.8/1000 and 2.5/1000 among ≤15 years and adults. The trend of hypertension increased from 30/1000 (2013/14) to 43/1000 (2020) among adults ≥15 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in the Mekelle zone is higher among females and adults > 15 years old. Even though the magnitude of hypertension was higher in adults the death due to hypertension was higher among ≤15 years. This study also identified the increasing and decreasing trend of morbidity and mortality respectively. Public health officers and researchers should conduct further investigations to dig out the reason for the increased disease prevalence and its effects.