Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors Among the Sudanese Banking Sector in River Nile State: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background Hypertension is a global entity accounting for one of the most modifiable risk factors for all-cause morbidity and mortality. It is associated with a raised risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in developing countries. Nevertheless, the banking sector profession lifestyle is sedentary and accompanied by high levels of mental stress, thus at a higher risk of developing hypertension. Objective The objective is to assess the prevalence of hypertension among bank employees and the associated risk factors in River Nile State - Sudan. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on Atbara and Al-Damar localities' banks in River Nile state from January to March 2020. Data were collected on demographics, BMI, waist circumference (WC), medical history, family history, nutritional habits, physical activities, medications history, work stress, complaints, and blood pressure. Results Ninety-eight bank employees were enrolled, with elevated blood pressure present in 45(45.9%) participants, of whom 18 (40%) were newly diagnosed. 43.9% were in the age group 31-40 years. High blood pressure was significantly associated with older age >40 years, BMI > 30 kg/m(2), WC > 90 cm, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, family history, salty diet, reduced daily exercise (30 minutes per day), severe stress at work, with overall P-value = <0.005. Conclusion The prevalence of high blood pressure was remarkably high among bank employees. Risk factors were: age (>40 years), obesity, DM, family history, salty diet intake, severe stress levels at work and sedentary lifestyle.