Factors Associated with High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Cormobidity in Littoral Department of Benin, in 2023

Introduction: The number of people suffering from diabetes and hypertension (HBP) is increasing worldwide and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, despite the fact that they are preventable. The aim of our study is to determine the factors associated with hypertension and diabetes comorbidity in the Department of Littoral in 2023. Study Setting and Methods: Our study took place in the Department of Littoral in Benin. It was a cross-sectional general population study conducted over a three-month period from April 10 to July 10, 2023. It included subjects aged 18 and over with or without a history of hypertension and/or diabetes. The sampling method was probabilistic and the technique used was a WHO three-stage cluster survey. The dependent variable is comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with hypertension-diabetes comorbidity. Results: The study population was predominantly female (59.9%). The mean age was 44 ± 17. A total of 48 (8.8%) of the subjects in the study suffered from both diabetes and hypertension. Factors associated with comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes were age ≥ 50 years (OR: 5.48; 95% CI: 2.69 - 12.20; p = 0.001); male sex (OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.39 - 6.46; p = 0.005); too much salt or salty sauce consumed (OR: 6.06; 95% CI: 1.56 - 22.20; p = 0.034); abdominal obesity (OR: 6.12; 95% CI: 2.79 - 14.3; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Hypertension and diabetes are emerging as major public health problems in Benin. The main associated factors were age, gender, the amount of salt or salty sauce consumed and abdominal obesity. A response is urgently needed to act on the factors identified in order to avoid possible complications and an increase in prevalence.