Hypertension and Its Correlation with Socioeconomic Status in East African Urban and Rural Populations: A Scientific Review

Mugisha Emmanuel K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is an escalating public health challenge in East Africa, disproportionately affecting urban and rural populations. This review explores the correlation between hypertension and socioeconomic status (SES), focusing on income, education, occupation, and access to healthcare. Urbanization, lifestyle transitions, and SES disparities contribute to the growing burden of hypertension across East Africa. Urban areas experience higher hypertension prevalence due to dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and psychosocial stress, while rural areas face rising rates due to healthcare access limitations and economic stress. The review examines epidemiological trends, urban-rural differences, and the socioeconomic determinants of hypertension, providing insights into public health interventions aimed at addressing these disparities. Recommendations for improving health literacy, expanding healthcare infrastructure, promoting healthier lifestyles, and developing policy strategies are discussed, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to manage hypertension across diverse East African populations.

Keywords: Hypertension, Socioeconomic Status (SES), Urbanization, Rural Populations, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), East Africa

CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2024). Hypertension and Its Correlation with Socioeconomic Status in East African Urban and Rural Populations: A Scientific Review. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY, 5(3):62-66 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2024/5362660