Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increasing prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite increasing awareness and treatment, blood pressure (BP) control remains suboptimal, especially in resource-limited settings like Northwestern Nigeria.
Objective: To assess the level of BP control among hypertensive patients on follow-up at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gusau, Northwestern Nigeria, and to identify factors associated with poor control.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and March 2025 among hypertensive patients attending the Medical Outpatient Department at FMC Gusau. Socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, and BP control status were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Chi-square tests were used for associations, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the 301 patients enrolled, 63.5% were females, and the mean age was 50.11 ± 16.77 years. Family history of hypertension was reported in 63.1%. Regular exercise was significantly associated with better BP control (χ² = 6.826, p = 0.009). Other factors such as family history, smoking status, comorbidities, and antihypertensive therapy type showed no significant association with BP control (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Blood pressure control among hypertensive patients remains poor in Northwestern Nigeria. Strategies to improve lifestyle interventions, particularly promoting regular exercise, alongside pharmacologic therapies, and healthcare system strengthening are urgently needed for better hypertension outcomes in this region.

Key words: Hypertension, Blood Pressure Control, Nigeria, Lifestyle, Exercise