(P20-073-24) Stress and Hypertension Among Primary School Teachers In Enugu North Senatorial Zone Enugu State, Nigeria

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension and examine stress levels among primary school teachers in the specified region.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a multistage simple random sampling technique to select 212 teachers.

Results: The study comprised 212 teachers (55 males and 157 females). Hypertension was prevalent in 34.9%, with 7.1% having known hypertension and 27.8% newly diagnosed. Perceived stress scale results revealed that 84.4% experienced moderate stress, 3.3% had high stress, and 12.3% had low stress. Female teachers (92.4%) exhibited higher moderate perceived stress than males (61.8%). A significant association (p=0.000) existed between male and female respondents regarding perceived stress levels. Although hypertension prevalence was comparable between genders (p=0.094), a significant association (p = 0.013) was noted between blood pressure status and perceived stress.

Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of hypertension among teachers, many unaware until diagnosis. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of primary school teachers, mainly through stress management and hypertension awareness programs.

Funding Sources: Morgan State University, USA