Assessment of Pravalence, Knowledge and Associated Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Employees in Harare, Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe, 2025

Abstract

Hypertension is a pervasive global health issue, affecting an estimated 1.28 billion people worldwide, with approximately one-third of the global population residing in low-to-middle-income countries. In Zimbabwe, a staggering 50% of the population aged 15-64 years is affected by hypertension. Uncontrolled and undiagnosed hypertension among employees results in significant economic losses due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and disability retirement. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, awareness, knowledge, and associated factors of hypertension among employees in Zimbabwe, with a view to identifying areas for targeted interventions to alleviate the burden of hypertension. A quantitative approach was employed, combining secondary data analysis of medical records with primary data collection through an online Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale survey. Data was analyzed using Stata statistical software v 13.0 to generate frequencies, means, proportions, relative risk and multivariate analysis to determine independent factors associated with knowledge of hypertension. The study found a hypertension prevalence of 7% (n=14) among 207 employees, with 40% having high-normal blood pressure. The mean body mass index was 23.8 (SD=4.1), and 56% had a normal BMI. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between BMI and age (r=0.401, p<0.001), and weak positive correlations between BMI and systolic (r=0.146, p=0.038) and diastolic (r=0.145, p=0.041) blood pressure. The online survey revealed that 65% (n=111) of participants had high knowledge levels about hypertension. Multivariate analysis showed that participants aged 30-39 years had 3.92 times higher odds of having high knowledge about hypertension (95% CI: 1.49-10.31, p=0.006), while those with incomes ≥USD 600 had 2.43 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.02-5.79, p=0.045), however, the association disappeared after adjusting for age, sex and family history of hypertension. A family history of hypertension was associated with 2.6 times higher odds of knowledge about hypertension, aOR=2.63 (1.23-5.59). These findings highlight the importance of workplace-based health promotion initiatives targeting hypertension prevention and management, particularly among younger employees and those with lower incomes. The findings suggest that employees have good knowledge about hypertension, but there is a need for ongoing education and awareness programs to improve knowledge among specific subgroups. The study's results have implications for the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing the burden of hypertension and promoting cardiovascular health among working populations.