# Lifestyle and Anthropometric Predictors of Hypertension Among Adults Attending Debark General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: An Unmatched Case–Control Study

## TL;DR

This study identifies lifestyle and age-related factors that increase the risk of hypertension among adults in Northwest Ethiopia.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into modifiable and non-modifiable predictors of hypertension in a specific Ethiopian population.

## Key findings

- Obesity, low physical activity, and high salt intake significantly increase hypertension risk.
- Older age and family history are non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension.
- Alcohol consumption and low fruit intake are modifiable predictors of hypertension.

## Abstract

Hypertension is a growing public health concern in Ethiopia, contributing substantially to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Identifying predictors of hypertension is crucial for effective prevention and control.

To identify the lifestyle and anthropometric predictors of hypertension among adults attending Debark General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

An unmatched case–control study was conducted from January to March 2025, including 640 participants (128 hypertensive cases and 512 normotensive controls) with a 1:4 case‐to‐control ratio. Cases were adults diagnosed with hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive treatment). Controls were normotensive adults attending the hospital for other health issues. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using Stata to identify independent predictors of hypertension.

The multivariable analysis identified age ≥ 45 years (AOR = 3.62; 95% CI: 2.11–6.20), obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) (AOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.78–4.89), low physical activity (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.45–4.19), high dietary salt intake (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.32–4.11), family history of hypertension (AOR = 3.14; 95% CI: 1.89–5.22), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.17–3.44), and low fruit intake (< 5 servings/week) (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.08–3.29) as significant predictors of hypertension (all p < 0.05).

The study identified key modifiable predictors of hypertension, including obesity, physical inactivity, high salt intake, alcohol use, and low fruit consumption, along with nonmodifiable factors such as older age and family history among adults in Northwest Ethiopia. These findings highlight the need for integrated preventive interventions targeting lifestyle modification and early screening in the Ethiopian healthcare system.