Evidence mapPaperPMID 41724510Full record

ArticleBMJ open2026

Detecting undiagnosed hypertension using repeated blood pressure measurements: a cross-sectional study in rural Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Betelhem E Birhanu, Melaku H Likka, Hiwot A Areru, Desalegn T Hibstu, Bernt Lindtjørn

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Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

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5 authors.

Betelhem E BirhanuSchool of Public Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia betelhemeshetu123@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8105-7006
Melaku H LikkaSchool of Public Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5650-728X
Hiwot A AreruDepartment of Midwifery, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia.
Desalegn T HibstuSchool of Public Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2285-4635
Bernt LindtjørnSchool of Public Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6267-6984

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6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its risk factors among adults in rural Sidama Region, Ethiopia, using a two-step diagnostic method.

designA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 31 July 2024. Data were collected among adults aged 45 years and above using the World Health Organization STEPwise Approach to Surveillance questionnaire. The Demographic and Health Survey questionnaire was also used to collect data on household characteristics.

settingSelected rural kebeles of Shebedino district, Sidama, Ethiopia.

participants2875 adults aged ≥45 years identified via census. OUTCOME MEASURES: Undiagnosed hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, in individuals with no history of the condition.

resultsThe prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension ranged from 7.7% (95% CI: 6.7% to 8.7%) to 14.3% (95% CI: 13.0% to 15.6%). The previously diagnosed hypertensive cases were found in 3.3% (95% CI: 2.7% to 4.1%). Female sex (AOR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.82), age ≥ 65 years (AOR 1.48; 95%CI: 1.01 to 2.15), and history of alcohol drinking and khat chewing (AOR 2.94; 95%CI: 1.52 to 5.66) were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Lack of awareness of salt-related health risks (AOR 3.14; 95% CI: 2.30 to 4.30) and no prior blood pressure measurement (AOR 5.60; 95% CI: 1.73 to 18.07) were also associated with undiagnosed hypertension.

conclusionsUndiagnosed hypertension is common among adults aged ≥45 years in the rural Sidama Region. Female sex, older age, substance use, limited awareness of salt-related health risks, and lack of prior blood pressure measurement were the identified risk factors. Regular screening should be implemented to detect cases at an early stage.

Indexed as

Blood Pressure DeterminationHypertensionUndiagnosed DiseasesAgedBlood PressureCross-Sectional StudiesEthiopiaFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrevalenceRisk FactorsRural PopulationBlood PressureCardiovascular DiseaseChronic Disease

Identifiers

PMID41724510
PMCPMC12927365

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.