The Risk of Hypertension in Igbo Adults Residing in Owerri Using Waist to Hip Ratio and Body Mass Index as Markers

This study investigated the national health status of adults in Owerri Municipal L.G.A. Imo State, Nigeria, as indicated by their body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). 100 subjects comprising 50 male and 50 female adults were recruited for the study. Using standard procedures, their systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, age, height, weight and waist and hip circumstances were measured and recorded for BMI and WHR determination. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 for Pearson correlation and t-test. Results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean BMI between males (25.09± 5.3gkg/m2) and females (27.83±5.49kg/m2. Female subjects presented a greater degree of obesity and are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases especially hypertension as 0%, 34%, 40% and 26% of the females and 2%, 54%, 32% and 12% of the males were found to be underweight, normal, overweight and obese respectively. The WHR values ranges from 0.68-0.96 for males. With this the health conditions of the females were at 4%, 10%, 32%, 34% and 20% for good, better, moderate, worse and worst risk respectively. Thus using the BMI classification, 66% of female subjects were prone to developing cardiovascular disease especially hypertension while the percentage was 44% amongst male subjects. This suggests that females living in Owerri are more prone to hypertension than males. This could be due to eating habits, poor or lack of regular physical exercise and excessive alcohol consumption. The result of the present study is recommended to health workers for counseling and enlightenment and campaign on improvement of health status of people living in Owerri.

Key Words: Hypertension, waist to hip ratio, body mass index, waist circumference, Hip circumference