Prevalence, Risk Factors, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Adults Attending Jadu Hospital, Libya: A Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Hypertension is the most critical modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. Despite its increasing burden in Libya, data on hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control from hospital-based populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and associated risk factors of hypertension among adults attending Jadu Hospital in western Libya. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 adults aged ≥35 years attending Jadu General Hospital over one year. Blood pressure was measured using standardized protocols. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or current use of antihypertensive medication. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and hypertension awareness were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with hypertension awareness. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 84.7% (n=127). The mean age was 59.04 ± 12.14 years, with 60% female participants. Hypertensive participants were significantly older than non-hypertensive participants (60.54 ± 12.07 vs. 50.78 ± 8.87 years, p<0.001). Diabetes mellitus was significantly more prevalent among hypertensive participants (22.0% vs. 4.3%, p=0.048). Hypertension prevalence increased significantly with age, rising from 68.4% among participants aged 35-50 years to 97.7% among those aged >65 years (p<0.002). Among hypertensive participants, awareness and treatment rates were 63.0%, and blood pressure control was achieved in 41.3% of those treated. Older age was significantly associated with higher awareness and treatment rates (p=0.002). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that increasing age was independently associated with lower odds of lacking hypertension awareness (adjusted OR=0.962, 95% CI: 0.930-0.994; p=0.022). This study reveals a high prevalence of hypertension among adults attending Jadu Hospital, with advancing age being the strongest predictor. Although older participants demonstrated higher awareness and treatment rates, blood pressure control remained suboptimal. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies focusing on early detection, effective treatment, lifestyle modification, and regular follow-up, particularly among older adults and other high-risk populations in Libya.