FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG WOMEN AGED 40 YEARS AND ABOVE IN JOOTRH HYPERTENSIVE CLINIC KISUMU, KENYA

Abstract

High blood pressure commonly referred to as hypertension, remains a global public health concern that must be addressed particularly among women aged 40 years and above. Studies show that untreated hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke thus leading to a rise in morbidity and mortality levels. The study investigated the factors contributing to hypertension in women within this age group who had been diagnosed with hypertension and were on follow up in the hypertensive clinic at JOOTRH .The research aimed to explore lifestyle, socio-economic and psychosocial factors associated with hypertension. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used in the study. The was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews to target women aged 40 years and above at JOOTRH. Simple random sampling method was used to select 45 participants ensuring a representative sample. The findings were then analyzed through descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies and presented by tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. The study’s findings were very crucial in informing targeted interventions and healthcare strategies aimed at reducing the burden of hypertension and its associated complications among this vulnerable demographic. Ethical considerations including informed consent and participant confidentiality was observed throughout the research process.