Prevalence and predictors of undiagnosed hypertension among residents of Akesta City, Northeast, Ethiopia, 2023: Community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hypertension is the world's leading risk factor for death and disability. Occasionally, there is an alarming rise in the prevalence of undetected hypertension; this is especially true in poorer nations due to inadequate screening protocols. However, there are few studies on the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among Akesta Town residents. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 428 adult residents of Akesta town from April to May 2023. A systematic sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A structured, pretested WHO STEPS-wise tool was used to collect data. Data was entered using Epidata version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Binary logistic regression, adjusted odds ratio, along with 95% CI, was used to identify significant variables. From multivariable analysis, variables having a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results were expressed in texts and tables. Model fitness was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemshow Test. Results: The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 15.9% (995% CI: 11.2, 21.5). Cigarette smoking (AOR = 11.04, 95% CI: 3.43, 35.57), alcohol drinking (AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.64, 18.78), physical exercise (AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.53, 15.06), and family history of hypertension (AOR = 6.8, 95% CI: 1.83, 25.19) were predictors of undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusion: According to this study, adult residents of Akesta Town had a significant prevalence of untreated hypertension. Undiagnosed hypertension was predicted by physical exercise, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and family history of hypertension. The government and other pertinent parties will be alarmed by this, prompting them to create public health initiatives, including community-based screening and education campaigns.