Increased Prevalence of Hypertension in Dental Screening Patients in Mosoriot, Kenya: A Short Communication

Hypertension has been on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Informed screening initiatives will improve access to treatment and protect populations from the negative sequelae of chronically elevated blood pressure. Objectives: This retrospective analysis will investigate the prevalence of hypertension in 250 adult patients who attended a field dental screening in Mosoriot, Kenya in July, 2022. Methods: Age and blood pressure were recorded at the screening by trained Kenyan nursing students using a standard, digital blood pressure cuff. These values were used to calculate the prevalence of hypertension for different age groups. Results: This study demonstrates increased prevalence of hypertension as compared to previous studies in Kenya. Conclusion: Health professionals working in Kenya should engage in screening initiatives for high blood pressure and refer patients for hypertension management. Keywords: Hypertension, public health, Kenya