Burden and determinants of self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in Tanzania: Evidence from 2022 Tanzania demographic and health survey

TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence and factors linked to self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in Tanzania using 2022 survey data.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the burden and sociodemographic determinants of high blood pressure in Tanzanian women aged 15–49.

Findings

The self-reported high blood pressure prevalence was 6.6% among reproductive-age women in Tanzania.

Older age, higher education, marriage, and higher wealth were associated with increased odds of high blood pressure.

Poor health status and recent health facility visits were also linked to higher odds of high blood pressure.

Abstract

High blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, remains a prevalent global health concern characterized by elevated arterial pressure, posing significant risks such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the burden and determinants of self-reported high blood pressure among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.

We utilized population-based cross-sectional data obtained from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2022. The analysis involved a weighted sample of 15,254 women aged 15–49 years. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine the independent variables associated with self-reported high blood pressure, and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The significance level was set at p <  0.05 for all analyses.

Overall, the mean age of study participants was 29.3 ±  9.8 years, with a self-reported high blood pressure burden of 6.6% among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. Moreover, increased age correlated with higher odds of high blood pressure compared to women aged 15–19 years. Those with a secondary level of education exhibited a higher likelihood of high blood pressure in contrast to women with no education. Married and widowed individuals were more prone to high blood pressure than those who were never married. Additionally, women in higher wealth groups showed a significantly elevated risk of high blood pressure compared to those in the poorest wealth group. Conversely, self-reported poor health status and recent visits to health facilities were associated with significantly higher odds of high blood pressure.

This study highlights the burden of high blood pressure among reproductive-age women, urging heightened awareness and proactive screening measures. These findings prompt targeted interventions, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to effectively curb this health burden.

Figures