Health-related Quality of Life and Anthropometric Indices in Hypertensive Patients in a Nigerian community – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Health related quality of life (HRQoL) can be negatively affected by hypertension (HTN) and its complications and by poor anthropometric indices in an individual. Evidence abounds of positive correlation between anthropometric indicators and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Hypertensive patients with poor anthropometric indices are at higher risk of poorer HRQoL. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and anthropometric indices among hypertensive patients in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design conducted among 132 adults (67.4% female) attending cardiology outpatient clinics in Nnewi. The anthropometric parameters were obtained through a routine measure, and the Short Form 12-item questionnaire was used to obtain data on HRQOL. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v. 26). The descriptive analysis included percentage, frequency, and mean standard deviation, while the Spearman rank order test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine the correlation and influence respectively with alpha value set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 68.92±9.43 years old. The results revealed low physical component scores, fairly good mental component scores, and that the majority (80.6%) were either overweight or obese. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and Physical component (PCS) (p<0.001). Participants who were employed recorded higher PCS (p= <0.001) especially Teachers (P= 0.002). Conclusion: The participants had poor physical but relatively better mental HRQOL, with significant associations observed between anthropometric indices and HRQOL.