Blood Pressure Checkups Practices and Associated Factors Among Federal Ministry Civil Servants, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

BackgroundHypertension is a global public health concern, contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, 27.3% of federal ministry civil servants were hypertensive in 2015. Regular blood pressure checkups are vital for early detection and management, yet there is limited data on blood pressure checkup practices in workplace setting, including federal ministries in Ethiopia. Understanding these practices and their determinants is essential for designing targeted work place health interventions. ObjectiveThis study assessed the prevalence of blood pressure checkup practices and associated factors among Federal Ministry civil servants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 484 federal ministries civil servants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used to select study participants. Data were collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Both bi-variable & multi-variable logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with blood pressure checkup practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics were presented with tables and graphs. ResultsAmong civil servants in federal ministries, 43.8% [95% CI: 39.3-48.4%] reported having checked their blood pressure. Blood pressure checkup practice was significantly associated with age [≥]40 years [AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.53-5.70], male sex [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.25-3.21], good knowledge [AOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.73-4.61], positive attitude [AOR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.99-5.22], and family history of hypertension [AOR = 4.86, 95% CI: 2.47-9.58]. These findings highlight the importance of blood pressure screening among at risk populations in the workplace. ConclusionDespite the importance of blood pressure checkups, a significant proportion of federal ministry civil servants in Addis Ababa do not regularly check their blood pressure. Interventions targeting knowledge, attitudes, and family history of HTN are necessary to improve blood pressure checkup practices and promote early hypertension management