Introduction
We assessed the prevalence of substance use and its
association with high blood pressure among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods
We employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The
World Health Organization instrument for stepwise surveillance of risk factors
for chronic diseases was applied on a probabilistic sample of 4001 men and women
aged 25 to 64 years in Addis Ababa. We determined the prevalence of cigarette
smoking, alcohol drinking, and khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing. We
measured blood pressure by using a digital device and determined mean levels of
systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Results
Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and chewing khat were
widely prevalent among men. Among men, the prevalence of current daily smoking
was 11.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.5%–12.5%). Binge drinking of alcohol
was reported by 10.4% (95% CI, 9.0%–11.9%) of men. Similarly, 15.9% (95% CI,
14.1%–17.6%) of men regularly chewed khat. Consequently, 26.6% of men and 2.4%
of women reported practicing one or more of the behaviors. Current daily smoking
and regular khat chewing were significantly associated with elevated mean
diastolic blood pressure (β = 2.1, P = .03 and β = 1.9, P = .02,
respectively).
Conclusion
Cigarette smoking and khat chewing among men in Addis
Ababa were associated with high blood pressure, an established risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. Health promotion interventions should aim to prevent
proliferation of such behaviors among young people and adoption by women.
Surveillance for risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be implemented
nationwide to provide information for policy decisions and to guide prevention
and control programs.