Risk Factors of Hypertension among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Imo state, South East of Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is among the important causes of non-communicable disease burden worldwide. It has raised public health concerns in both developed and developing nations. It mostly occurs in patients with diabetes and the prevalence depends on duration, type and age of the patient. The study aimed at determining the risk factors of hypertension among type 2 diabetic patients in Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive survey design involving 50 patients attending hospital was used. Structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using frequency and mean score. Hypotheses were tested using Chi-square at 5% significance level. Results: The result showed that the majority (70.0%) of the patients was hypertensive, 54.0% of the patients used dietary control and drugs in the treatment of the diseases. Furthermore, it was found that 54.0% ate salty foods always, 58.0% of the patients added extra table salt in their meals, 54.0% ate canned foods and 82.0% took sugary drinks always. It was also found that 66.0% ate always from restaurants and 58.0% ate more of starchy foods. The result further showed that 74.0% of the patients avoided physical exercise and 70.0% indicated that doing stress works made them get anxious. Eighty percent of the patients had hypertension in their family history and the 74.0% indicated it was their brother/sister. The X2 result showed a significantly association between family history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes X2(121, N = 50) = 187, p = 0.000. It was also found that dietary pattern was significantly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes X2(121, N = 50) = 187, p = 0.000. Conclusion: Dietary pattern and family history of hypertension were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. It was recommended that sensitization campaigns be organized to educate women on the effect of diets on diabetes. Also, family history of hypertension should be ascertained from patients to ensure early detection and treatment of diabetes.