Research Square · Jul 27, 2026
Hypertension and Its Determinants Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Hospital- Based Cross-Sectional Study
By Gurmessa E, Guteta ET, Gemechu T et al.
Background Hypertension is a frequent comorbidity among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. Despite its growing burden, evidence on hypertension among diabetic patients remains limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify its associated factors among patients with DM in Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 396 diabetic patients attending their follow-up at Nekemte city Public Hospitals from May 1 to April 30, 2022. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants and structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bi-variate analysis were candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the independent association. Finally, variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated to measure the strength of the associations. Results were presented using tables, frequencies, percentages, and summary statistics. Results A total of 396 patients with DM were enrolled in the study, resulting in a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of hypertension among the participants was 40.7% (95% CI: 36.4–45.4). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age > 50 years (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.20–4.80), a duration of diabetes greater than 5 years (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.13–3.96), and a family history of hypertension (AOR = 6.10; 95% CI: 3.56–10.40) were independently associated with increased odds of hypertension. Conversely, having health insurance coverage (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.24–0.71), and engagement in regular physical activity (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.26–0.77) were associated with lower odds of hypertension among patients with DM. Conclusion The study found that there is high magnitude of hypertension among diabetic patients. Age, duration with DM, family history of hypertension, health insurance membership, and physical activity were significantly associated with hypertension among patients with DM. Early detection and appropriate interventions should be an important action among patients.