Prevalence of hypertension among women in rural Zimbabwe: a comparison of pregnant and non-pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) in rural Zimbabwe.


METHODS
A blood pressure survey conducted in three socio-economic strata of rural Zimbabwe, communal lands, commercial farms and mining areas.


METHODS
Rural Zimbabwe, Mashonaland West Province.


METHODS
627 pregnant (> 20 weeks gestation) and 483 non pregnant (ages 16 to 45) women.


METHODS
Prevalence of PIH.


RESULTS
PIH was defined in two ways: 1. A combination of > or = 2+ proteinuria and systolic and/or diastolic pressure > or = SD above the mean for all pregnant women (> or = 123/75 mmHg). 2. > or = 1+ proteinuria and blood pressure of 140 and/or 90 mmHg. Eight women met definition 1 and seven met definition 2, giving a prevalence of 0.8pc; 1.3pc and 3.2pc in communal lands, commercial farms and mines respectively. In non-pregnant women the prevalence of hypertension (> or = 160 and/or 95 mmHg) was 3.5pc; 5.4pc and 15.1pc in communal lands, commercial farms and mines respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
PIH is rare in rural Zimbabwe. Hypertension among non-pregnant women of child bearing age is most common in mining communities which have many similarities to urban environments.
Sparks
B T
BT
Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Mufunda
J
J
Musabayane
C T
CT
Sparks
H V
HV
Mahomed
K
K
Hunter
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012423:Rural Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology