ANATOMICAL DISTRIBUTION OF HYPERTENSIVE ORGAN DAMAGE AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR IN NIGERIAN ADULTS

Abstract

Hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular morbidity worldwide, with a growing prevalence in Nigeria. This study examined the anatomical distribution of hypertensive organ damage and the relationship between health-seeking behavior and clinical outcomes among 1,200 Nigerian adults across six geopolitical zones. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, integrating clinical assessments of cardiovascular, renal, cerebrovascular, and ocular complications with structured questionnaires evaluating health-seeking patterns, medication adherence, and care delays. Findings revealed that cardiovascular complications were most prevalent (38%), followed by renal (24%), ocular (15%), and cerebrovascular (12%) damage. Delayed or irregular healthcare utilization, reliance on traditional remedies, and poor medication adherence were significantly associated with multi-organ damage (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.8; p < 0.001). Socio-demographic factors, including education, income, and urban versus rural residence, influenced both behavior and clinical outcomes. The study underscores the importance of integrating early detection, routine clinical monitoring, and behavioral interventions to mitigate hypertensive complications in Nigeria. Public health strategies should focus on improving awareness, promoting timely care seeking, and enhancing adherence to antihypertensive therapy to reduce the burden of organ-specific damage.