Prevalence and determinants of self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in Benin: a population-based study

BACKGROUND: Addressing chronic diseases is a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, which have largely developed to deal with acute episodic care, rather than to provide organized care for people with age-long conditions. Therefore, exploring the prevalence and identifying the risk factors is a major approach to prevention and control of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in Benin. METHODS: We utilized population-based cross-sectional data from Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). BDHS 2017–18 is the round V of the survey. A total of 7712 women of reproductive age were included in this study. The outcome variable was self-reported high blood pressure. Percentages, chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. Results from the multivariable logistic model were presented as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and confidence interval (95%CI). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The total prevalence of self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in The Gambia was about one-tenth (9.9%). Furthermore, geographical region was associated with high blood pressure. Women aged 45–49 years had increased odds of high blood pressure, when compared with women aged 15–19 years (aOR = 2.73; 95%CI: 1.10, 6.79). In addition, increased maternal enlightenment gave higher odds of high blood pressure, when compared to women with low maternal enlightenment (aOR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.08, 1.84). Women with highest neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantaged status (poor women) had 30% reduction in the odds of high blood pressure, when compared with women of low neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantaged status (aOR = 0.70; 0.50, 0.99). Women having increased lifetime number of sex partners (total of 3 lifetime number of sex partners: aOR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.01, 1.94; more than 3 total lifetime number of sex partners: aOR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.01, 2.32) were more likely to have high blood pressure, when compared to women with only one lifetime number of sex partner. CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis on high blood pressure prevention methods and involvement of multiple sectors could help to disseminate health care interventions widely. Also, a concerted effort from the stakeholders in health care system and decision-makers is needed to address the drivers of high blood pressure while maintaining health system improvement strategies. The findings could prompt appropriate policy responses towards improving the knowledge and control of high blood pressure in Benin.