Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among patients with hydrocele in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2022
8 affiliations
- 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dodoma
- 2Department of Nursing Management, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- 3Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program (NTDCP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dodoma
- 4Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dodoma
- 5Research and Training Committee, Amana Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 25411, Ilala, Dar es Salaam
- 6Research Triangle Institute (RTI International), P.O. Box 369, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- 7Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program (NTDCP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dodoma, Tanzania
- 8Non-communicable diseases section, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dodoma, Tanzania
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. The last national survey reveals that in Tanzania, about 26% of all young adults aged 25-64 were estimated to have hypertension in 2013. Patients with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) who develop hydrocele may be at high risk of developing hypertension due to their physically inactive lifestyle. Magnitude and factors associated with hypertension among hydrocele patients have not been determined. The study was done to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among individuals with hydrocele due to LF in the Dar es Salaam region. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data was conducted among patients with lymphatic filariasis–related hydrocele undergoing pre-surgical screening. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. A chi-square test was performed to determine the significance of differences in hypertension across variables. A modified multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine the association between variables while adjusting for confounders. P-value ≤0.05 at 95% CI was statistically considered significant. Results: Among 484 patients with Lymphatic Filariasis hydrocele analysed, the prevalence of hypertension among the patients was 43.4% (n=211, 95%CI 39.2-48.1). Patients aged 45 years had a higher risk [Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) 2.5, 95%CI: 1.35 – 4.64] of developing hypertension. Being diabetic (>7mmol/L) had a 52% (APR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-2.00) higher prevalence of hypertension. Obese patients had a 36% higher risk (APR =1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75) of developing hypertension as compared to those with a normal body mass index. Other factors, including education, occupation, marital status, ivermectin/albendazole use, and duration of hydrocele, were not statistically significant after adjustment. Conclusion: The findings highlight a potential link between hydrocele due to lymphatic filariasis and hypertension, with its elevated risk. Integrating non-communicable disease management, particularly hypertension screening and care, into existing lymphatic filariasis programs could enhance patient outcomes. The LF elimination program is encouraged to consider such integrated approaches in affected regions.
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BibTeX
@article{ntibabara2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among patients with hydrocele in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2022}},
author = {Sephord Saul Ntibabara and Khadija Yahaya Malima and Evelyne Ngoli and Godbless Henry Mfuru and Farida Ollomi and Roza Ernest and Ibrahimu Makongwa and Dorica Burengelo and Stephen Mbwambo and Nsiande Lema and Clarer Jones and Omary Ubuguyu and Faraja Lyamuya},
journal = {Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.37432/jieph-d-25-00146},
url = {https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-d-25-00146},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among patients with hydrocele in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2022
AU - Sephord Saul Ntibabara
AU - Khadija Yahaya Malima
AU - Evelyne Ngoli
AU - Godbless Henry Mfuru
AU - Farida Ollomi
AU - Roza Ernest
AU - Ibrahimu Makongwa
AU - Dorica Burengelo
AU - Stephen Mbwambo
AU - Nsiande Lema
AU - Clarer Jones
AU - Omary Ubuguyu
AU - Faraja Lyamuya
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health
DO - 10.37432/jieph-d-25-00146
UR - https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-d-25-00146
AB - Introduction: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. The last national survey reveals that in Tanzania, about 26% of all young adults aged 25-64 were estimated to have hypertension in 2013. Patients with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) who develop hydrocele may be at high risk of developing hypertension due to their physically inactive lifestyle. Magnitude and factors associated with hypertension among hydrocele patients have not been determined. The study was done to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among individuals with hydrocele due to LF in the Dar es Salaam region. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data was conducted among patients with lymphatic filariasis–related hydrocele undergoing pre-surgical screening. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. A chi-square test was performed to determine the significance of differences in hypertension across variables. A modified multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine the association between variables while adjusting for confounders. P-value ≤0.05 at 95% CI was statistically considered significant. Results: Among 484 patients with Lymphatic Filariasis hydrocele analysed, the prevalence of hypertension among the patients was 43.4% (n=211, 95%CI 39.2-48.1). Patients aged 45 years had a higher risk [Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) 2.5, 95%CI: 1.35 – 4.64] of developing hypertension. Being diabetic (>7mmol/L) had a 52% (APR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-2.00) higher prevalence of hypertension. Obese patients had a 36% higher risk (APR =1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75) of developing hypertension as compared to those with a normal body mass index. Other factors, including education, occupation, marital status, ivermectin/albendazole use, and duration of hydrocele, were not statistically significant after adjustment. Conclusion: The findings highlight a potential link between hydrocele due to lymphatic filariasis and hypertension, with its elevated risk. Integrating non-communicable disease management, particularly hypertension screening and care, into existing lymphatic filariasis programs could enhance patient outcomes. The LF elimination program is encouraged to consider such integrated approaches in affected regions.
SN - 2664-2824
ER -