Risk Factors for Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age in Bengkulu City

Abstract

Hypertension affecting Women of Childbearing Age (WCA) can significantly influence the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. This is primarily due to chronic hypertension, which often acts as a precursor to the perilous condition of pre-eclampsia, particularly if it occurs during pregnancy and is not appropriately managed. This study aimed to identify the risk factors contributing to the incidence of hypertension in Bengkulu City. This study employs an analytical survey with a cross-sectional design, involving a sample size of 164 participants calculated using a sample size calculator. The hypothesis estimates a single proportion with a confidence level of 80%, a significance level of 5%, and an estimated prevalence of 30%, within a population of 143,337 women diagnosed with hypertension in Bengkulu City. Data were analyzed utilizing Chi-Square statistical methods. There exists a significant association between educational level (p-value < 0.019), family history of disease (p-value < 0.00), obesity (p-value < 0.00), stress levels (p-value < 0.00), physical activity (p-value < 0.025), and the use of contraception (p-value < 0.001) with the occurrence of hypertension in WCA. Based on multivariate analysis, the variable of obesity emerged as the most influential factor for the incidence of hypertension, with an odds ratio (OR) of 236.068. The causal factors of hypertension in WCA include educational level, family medical history, obesity, stress, physical activity, and type of contraceptive use.