Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Young Adults in Kinondoni Municipal Council, Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66531/mjph.2026.v1i1.e2Keywords:
Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk factorsAbstract
Background: Hypertension has emerged as a critical non-communicable disease affecting not only older populations but increasingly young adults, particularly in urbanizing regions such as Kinondoni Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and inadequate awareness have intensified this trend, making early diagnosis and prevention essential. The study aimed at examining the prevalence and potential risk factors of hypertension among young adults in Kinondoni Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Materials and Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, which applied quantitative approach from November, 2024 to June, 2025. A total of 398 young adults aged 18–35 years were involved from the wards of Kawe, Msasani, and Mikocheni, selected through multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and direct blood pressure measurements, then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.
Results: The study revealed high prevalence of hypertension (37.0%), with most diagnoses occurring between the ages of 20–30 years. Notably, only 16.7% of those diagnosed were on antihypertensive medication, and 71.3% rarely monitored their blood pressure. Key potential risk factors included low physical activity (71.8%), daily consumption of processed foods (76.0%), and frequent addition of salt/sugar/oil to meals (60.1%), alcohol use (40.6%), and tobacco smoking (19.8%). Psychological stress/anxiety was reported by 44.0%, while 50.0% had a family history of hypertension; obesity (12.0%) and diabetes (7.0%) were also observed as co-morbidities. Additionally, 76.7% of participants did not report hospitalization due to hypertension-related complications.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions emphasizing routine screening, awareness campaigns, lifestyle modifications, and mental health support.
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