Abstract:
Background: Hypertension has been the major public health challenge worldwide. It is a chronic
disease in which the prevalence has been steadily increasing in Ethiopia. Various sources revealed
that, it became the major cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. Objective: The main
purpose of this study was to assess the determinant risk factors of hypertension. Method: Facility
based un-matched case control study design was employed in MertoLemariam primary hospital from
individuals visited the hospital for medical care. A total of 352 (176 cases and 176 controls) subjects
constituted the sample size for this study. The data were collected by using face-to-face interview,
recorded data and measurement. A structured pre tested questionnaire was used for the interview
based on World Health organization STEPWISE survey and included additional information. In
addition, blood pressure was measured using manual sphygmomanometer and stethoscope for
controls, Weight by adult weight scale, Height by tape meter and body mass index was calculated.
Data were entered on SPSS version 16.0 statistical software package for analysis. Results: always
cigarette smoking, always alcohol consumption, overweight, low physical activity, excess salt use,
insufficient use of fruits, uneducated and mental stress (OR= 13.242, 95% CI: 3.206, 54.688), (OR=
13.980, 95% CI: 3.298, 59.258), (OR= 6.180, 95% CI: 2.325, 16.423), (OR= 6.709, 95% CI: 2.345,
19.200), (OR= 5.461, 95% CI: 2.409, 12.378), (OR= 5.989, 95% CI: 2.618, 13.698), (OR= 4.358,
95% CI: 1.398, 13.584) and (OR= 5.426, 95% CI: 2.433, 12.101) were modifiable risk factors having
higher odds of developing hypertension than non- smokers/chewers, no alcohol consumption, being
normal, having high physical activity, no excess salt use, sufficient fruit/vegetable use,
diploma/above and no mentalstressrespectively. Conclusion and recommendation: This study has
shown that hypertension was significantly associated with sex, age above 45, body mass index above
25 kg/m2, excess salt utilization, family history of hypertension, alcohol consumption,
smoking/chewing, insufficient use of fruit and vegetables, mental stress, low physical activity,
residence and low level of educational status. Individuals should have to avoid these risky behaviors
and the government and non-governmental organizations working on non-communicable areas
should have to give due emphasis on promoting healthy life
