Prevalence and Risk Factor of Undiagnosed Hypertension in Displaced People during War in Sudan

A BSTRACT Background: Hypertension (HTN) remains a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting displaced populations in low-resource settings. In Sudan, the aftermath of the April 2023 conflict has displaced millions, exacerbating vulnerabilities such as limited healthcare access, psychosocial stress, and poor living conditions. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HTN and its associated risk factors among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Wadi Halfa, Northern Sudan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2024 among 299 adult participants through convenience sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and physical measurements (blood pressure, body mass index BMI, waist circumference). Results: The study revealed a HTN prevalence of 21% (grades 1–3 combined), with significant associations observed with older age (53% of hypertensive participants aged 41–60 years, P < 0.001), marital status (94% married, P < 0.001), and obesity (mean BMI 28.9 versus. 23.5 in normotensive individuals, P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was strongly linked to HTN (16% comorbidity; P = 0.003), whereas lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet showed no significant correlation. Over half (51%) of participants were unemployed, and 57% reported interrupted access to healthcare. Conclusion: The study identified a high prevalence of HTN (21%) among IDPs in Wadi Halfa, Sudan, driven by demographic factors such as older age, marital status, and clinical risk factors like obesity and DM. These findings highlight the compounded burden of non-communicable diseases in conflict-affected populations, exacerbated by systemic challenges including disrupted healthcare access, psychosocial stressors, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires urgent interventions to mitigate morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. In this conflict context, we recommend immediate healthcare system support as well as establishing targeted screening programs.