Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among Type II Diabete Mellitus patients attending Mayuge District Health Centre IV, Mayuge District

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases and a leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. Its co-existence with diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events and death. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among individuals with type II diabetes mellitus among patients attending Mayuge Health Centre IV in Mayuge District Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2025 involving 315 individuals aged 18 years and above with type II diabetes mellitus, who were receiving care at Mayuge District Health Centre IV in Mayuge District. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using the WHO STEPS survey tool for non-communicable diseases and analyzed using version 27 of SPSS. A multiple logistic regression model was employed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with hypertension, adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics. Among the 315 respondents, the mean age was 58.62 ± 10.8 years, and 58.4% were female. The prevalence of hypertension was 55.2%, and it was independently associated with older age—specifically, individuals aged 60–69 years (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.14–6.64, p = 0.02) and those aged 70 years or older (OR = 5.61, 95% CI: 1.65–19.04). Additional significant associations included a history of cigarette smoking (OR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.25–12.72) and a history of ischemic heart disease (OR = 16.86, 95% CI: 2.03– 140.3). The finding that over half of individuals with diabetes had co-existing hypertension highlights the need for routine and regular blood pressure monitoring in diabetic clinics. Particular attention should be directed toward older adults (≥60 years), smokers, and those with a history of ischemic heart disease to facilitate early prevention and effective management of complications related to both diabetes and hypertension.