Prevalence and Knowledge of Risk Factors for Hypertension among Young Men Aged 18 – 35 Years in Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is increasingly affecting younger populations in Nigeria, challenging the traditional view that it is a disease of older adults. Rising urbanization, unhealthy lifestyles, and poor health-seeking behavior among young men contribute to this growing burden. This study assessed the prevalence of hypertension, knowledge of its risk factors, lifestyle practices, and associated factors among young men aged 18–35 years in Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 young men selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and standardized blood pressure measurements. Hypertension was classified based on established clinical guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with chi-square tests used to examine associations between variables.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 18.7%. Respondents demonstrated generally good knowledge of hypertension, with 85.6% correctly identifying it as high blood pressure and over 80% recognizing key risk factors such as high salt intake, physical inactivity, obesity, and alcohol use. However, knowledge gaps existed regarding symptoms and normal blood pressure ranges. Preventive practices were inconsistent, with many participants not engaging in regular blood pressure monitoring. While 84.2% perceived hypertension as a serious condition, only 39.6% believed it was common among young men. A significant association was found between lifestyle risk factors and hypertension (p = 0.015), and between knowledge level and lifestyle practices (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hypertension is prevalent among young men in Nekede, despite relatively good awareness of risk factors. Gaps in knowledge and preventive practices highlight the need for targeted health education, early screening, and behavior change interventions. Improving risk perception and promoting healthy lifestyles are critical to reducing the future burden of cardiovascular diseases in this population.