Magnitude of Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Diabetic Patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Hypertension (HTN) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), increasing the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. Despite global recognition of the coexistence of HTN and DM, region‐specific data in southern Ethiopia, particularly the Sidama region, remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HTN and identify associated factors among diabetic patients attending Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted between September and November 2023 among 223 diabetic patients selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaire coupled with review of medical records. HTN was defined as blood pressure of ≥ 130/80 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with HTN. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, with significance level set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of HTN was 52.9% (95% CI: 46.0–60.0) among diabetic patients. Of this, only 11.7% cases achieved target blood pressure control. Being female sex (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21–0.90), age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 5.90; 95% CI: 1.62–20.87), overweight status (AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.58–7.77), family history of HTN (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.14–11.40), chronic kidney disease (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.04–12.50), and dyslipidemia (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.44–6.37) were significantly associated with HTN. Conclusion More than half of diabetic patients had HTN. This highlights the need for focused screening and management strategies, emphasizing on identified modifiable risks to alleviate the problem and manage the cases.