Early Cardiometabolic Risk Patterns in Semi-Urban Nigerian Communities: Insights from Community-Based Blood Pressure and Random Glucose Screening
BO Bello-Ovosi, JO Ovosi, Y Lawal, IK Bansi, OS Omonua, A Akor, K Odumodu, AE Uloko, IB Bosan, S Isezuo, FO AnumahBackground:
Hypertension and diabetes are major contributors to global cardiovascular disease. Early subclinical disturbances such as prehypertension and glycemic risk provide opportunities for prevention. Despite rising prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa due to urbanization and lifestyle changes, data from semi-urban Nigerian populations remain limited.
Aim:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of prehypertension, glycemic risk, and their co-occurrence among adults in semi-urban Nigeria.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2019 and 2023 during annual community health screenings in Okene, Kabba, Lokoja (Kogi State), and Gwagwalada (FCT). Adults aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Blood pressure, anthropometric indices, and random blood glucose were measured using standardized protocols. Prehypertension was defined as systolic 120–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg, while screening-defined glycemic risk was elevated random blood glucose in the range 7.8–11.0 mmol/L. Logistic regression identified predictors of these cardiometabolic abnormalities.
Results:
Among 3198 adults (76% women; mean age 44.7 ± 15.8 years) without overt hypertension, 83.2% (95% CI 81.8–84.4) had prehypertension, 7.3% (95% CI 6.4–8.2) had glycemic risk, and 6.3% (95% CI 5.5–7.2) had both. In the parent cohort (n = 6,027), the prevalence of hypertension was 43.4%. Age ≥50 years predicted all outcomes (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.44–2.01 for prehypertension; OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09–1.60 for glycemic risk; OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.15–1.72 for co-occurrence). Male sex (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.08–1.78) and waist circumference (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.0–1.61) were predictors for prehypertension only.
Conclusion:
Elevated cardiometabolic risk markers are common among adults without overt hypertension in semi-urban Nigeria. These findings suggest potential future risk and support the value of community-based screening and lifestyle interventions.