Hypertension and Dietary Habits among Market Women in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a growing public health challenge in Nigeria. Women in the informal sector such as market trading may be disproportionately affected. This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and dietary correlates of hypertension among market women in North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 market women in three states. Structured questionnaires collected socio-demographic and dietary data, while blood pressure was measured following WHO protocols. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Among 330 participants with blood pressure records, the prevalence of hypertension was 22.4%: 58.3% in Abuja, 24.8% in Niger, and 13.3% in Nasarawa. Prior diagnosis was reported by 23.0%; 19.4% were on medication, 18.8% attended regular follow-up, and 6.1% were previously undiagnosed. Daily home-cooked consumption was 74.5%, vegetable intake 48.8% and fruit intake 45%. Extra salt addition showed a statistically significant association with hypertension (χ² = 8.69, p = 0.034), indicating that participants who occasionally added extra salt had higher hypertension prevalence than those who did not. In multivariate analysis, younger respondents (18–28 and 29–40 years) were significantly less likely to be hypertensive compared to older participants (≥41 years) (AOR = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.002–0.124, p = 0.005; AOR = 0.079, 95% CI: 0.014–0.444, p = 0.006). Low-income earners (<₦50,000/month) were at increased risk (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.08–1.95, p = 0.014). Market women in North Central Nigeria face a moderate but uneven hypertension burden, (22.4% overall; 58.3% in Abuja, 24.8% in Niger, and 13.3% in Nasarawa), compounded by low awareness, poor treatment uptake, and socio-economic barriers. Extra salt showed a statistically significant association with hypertension (χ² = 8.69, p = 0.034), while fruit and vegetable intake appeared protective though not statistically significant.