Background of the Study
Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a major public health concern globally, contributing significantly to cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and stroke-related mortality (Okonkwo & Adeyemi, 2024). The prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria has increased in recent decades, largely due to lifestyle changes, including dietary habits, urbanization, and reduced physical activity (Adebayo & Tijani, 2024). Studies have identified dietary factors such as excessive salt intake, high consumption of processed foods, low fruit and vegetable intake, and insufficient potassium levels as major contributors to hypertension (Usman & Bello, 2024).
Gombe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, has a growing burden of hypertension, with diet playing a crucial role in its prevalence. Traditional diets in the region often consist of carbohydrate-rich staples, with varying levels of sodium and unhealthy fats, which may contribute to increased hypertension rates (Olaniyan et al., 2023). However, there is limited region-specific data analyzing the statistical correlation between dietary habits and hypertension prevalence in Gombe State. Understanding these dietary patterns and their direct impact on hypertension can inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the disease burden.
Despite numerous global and national studies on the role of diet in hypertension, there is insufficient empirical evidence linking specific dietary patterns to the prevalence of hypertension in Gombe State. This study aims to address this gap by statistically examining the relationship between dietary habits and hypertension risk among the population of Gombe State.
Statement of the Problem
Hypertension is increasingly becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, including in Gombe State, yet dietary factors remain underexplored in the region (Adebayo & Tijani, 2024). While studies have shown that high salt consumption, low fruit intake, and processed food consumption are significant contributors to hypertension, there is no comprehensive data on how these dietary patterns correlate with hypertension rates in Gombe State (Usman & Bello, 2024).
The lack of dietary awareness and limited accessibility to heart-healthy foods contribute to the growing hypertension burden (Chukwuma et al., 2023). Additionally, economic and cultural factors influence food choices, affecting overall hypertension risk (Olaniyan et al., 2023). Without clear statistical evidence on the correlation between diet and hypertension, public health strategies may not effectively target dietary risk factors in Gombe State. This study aims to statistically assess this relationship to provide data-driven recommendations for hypertension prevention.
Objectives of the Study
1. To analyze dietary patterns among residents of Gombe State and their relationship with hypertension prevalence.
2. To statistically evaluate the correlation between sodium intake, processed food consumption, and hypertension rates.
3. To assess the level of awareness of dietary risk factors associated with hypertension in Gombe State.
Research Questions
1. What are the common dietary patterns among residents of Gombe State?
2. Is there a significant statistical correlation between diet and hypertension prevalence in Gombe State?
3. How aware are residents of Gombe State about dietary risk factors for hypertension?
Research Hypotheses
1. High sodium intake is positively correlated with hypertension prevalence in Gombe State.
2. Increased consumption of processed foods significantly raises the risk of hypertension in Gombe State.
3. Limited awareness of dietary risks contributes to high hypertension rates in Gombe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on adult residents of Gombe State, assessing dietary habits and their correlation with hypertension. Limitations may include self-reported biases in dietary data, limited access to comprehensive medical records, and variations in hypertension diagnosis rates.
Definitions of Terms
• Hypertension: A chronic condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure.
• Dietary Patterns: The habitual consumption of food and drink, including nutrient intake.
• Statistical Correlation: A measure of the relationship between two or more variables.
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