Prevalence of arterial hypertension and evaluation of its associated risk factors among the adult population at Shendi Teaching Hospital, Sudan, 2026
Prevalence of arterial hypertension and evaluation of its associated risk factors among the adult population at Shendi Teaching Hospital, Sudan, 2026
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026
Authors
Abdulqayoum Hassan Ahmed Al-Faki
Ghazali Al-Obaid Al-Balla Mohammed
Mirghani Abdelrahman Al-Amin Mohammed
Momen Abdelmahmoud Al-Momen
Wisam Zuhair Mohammed Bayoumi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Napata College
Abstract
Background: Arterial hypertension remains a critical global health challenge and a primary
driver of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, and specifically Sudan,
an ongoing epidemiological transition is increasing the burden of high blood pressure. However,
localized data regarding the situation in the Shendi locality—a unique agricultural and tribal
hub—is lacking. Establishing local prevalence and identifying risk factors is essential for
developing personalized clinical approaches and effective public health interventions.
Objective: To estimate the point prevalence of hypertension and evaluate the association between
non-modifiable, modifiable, and psychosocial risk factors among the adult population in Shendi
Teaching Hospital, River Nile State, Sudan.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the internal medicine outpatient
clinic of Shendi Teaching Hospital between February and April 2026. A sample of 230 adult
patients was recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face
interviews using a structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographics, lifestyle behaviors,
and stress levels. Clinical measurements of blood pressure (BP) and Body Mass Index (BMI)
were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 28, employing
Chi-square tests, independent samples T-tests, and Pearson correlation.
Results: The point prevalence of hypertension was 14.8% (95% CI: 10.2%–19.4%). While
11.3% were previously aware of their condition, 3.5% were newly identified during screening.
Among those previously diagnosed, only 50% were adherent to antihypertensive medications.
Significant associations were found between hypertension and advanced age (p<0.001) and a
positive family history (27.8% prevalence vs. 3.3% in those without; p<0.001). Obesity emerged
as a critical modifiable factor; hypertensive participants had a significantly higher mean BMI
(29.3±6.2) compared to normotensives (24.6±7.6 ,p=0.002). Alcohol consumption (p=0.002) and
high perceived stress (p=0.017) were also strongly associated with elevated BP.
Conclusion: The study reveals a significant "silent" burden of hypertension in Shendi,
characterized by a substantial proportion of newly identified cases and high rates of medication
non-adherence. The primary drivers are aging, hereditary factors, obesity, and psychosocial
VIII
stress. Targeted screening programs and adherence counseling are urgently required to prevent
long-term complications like stroke and heart failure.
Keywords: Sudan, Shendi, Arterial Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Obesity,
Psychosocial Stress, Medication Adherence.
Description
Napata College