Journal of Health Science
p-ISSN: 2166-5966 e-ISSN: 2166-5990
2015; 5(1): 6-10
doi:10.5923/j.health.20150501.02
Iyiade A. Ajayi 1, Ebenezer A. Ajayi 2, Olusola J. Omotoye 1, Kayode O. Ajite 1, Christianah O. Fadamiro 1
1Ophthalmology Department, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
2Medicine Department, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Correspondence to: Ebenezer A. Ajayi , Medicine Department, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
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Background: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease with an increasing burden in the developing countries where low awareness rate is a major determinant of widespread gaps in its treatment and control. We carried out this opportunistic screening survey at the eye clinic of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti, in southwest Nigeria. All consecutive adult new patients seen in the clinic were recruited into the study. A questionnaire was administered to all the patients after obtaining a verbal consent to document participants’ bio-data and historical clinical information related to hypertension. Data were entered into SPSS version 20 and analysed. Results: The respondents whose ages ranged between 18years and 95years with a mean of 54.2 ± 18.2years had a male to female ratio of 3.5:5. The systolic blood pressure ranged between 90-240mmHg while the diastolic blood pressure ranged between 40-160mmHg. Blood pressure in the hypertensive range was observed in 54.9% of the study population. Suboptimal blood pressure control was observed in 72% of those who had been previously diagnosed hypertensive before their eye clinic visit. Cataract (RR 2.26), retinal vascular disorders (RR 3.74), diabetic retinopathy (RR 2.85) and non arteritic ischemic optic atrophy (RR 1.68) were found to have a higher risk of occurrence among the hypertensive subjects. Twenty four percent (24%) of the respondents could not recollect ever having blood pressure checked all their lifetime preceding their visit to the eye clinic. Conclusion: The visually disabling nature of eye disorders and the increased probability of seeking assistance in an eye care facility provide a unique avenue for picking previously undiagnosed hypertensive by routine blood pressure check and detecting patients with poor routine check practices and suboptimal BP control during eye care service delivery.
Keywords: Blood pressure check, Undiagnosed hypertension, Eye clinic
Cite this paper: Iyiade A. Ajayi , Ebenezer A. Ajayi , Olusola J. Omotoye , Kayode O. Ajite , Christianah O. Fadamiro , Of What Value is Screening for Hypertension in Ophthalmic Practice?, Journal of Health Science, Vol. 5 No. 1, 2015, pp. 6-10. doi: 10.5923/j.health.20150501.02.
Figure 1. Educational Status of Respondent |
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