Correspondence to Author: Stéphanie Larissa Nossupuwo, Jean-De-Dieu Tamokou. 

Research Unit of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Substances, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon

DOI: 10.52338/jjogastro.2026.5448

Abstract:

Introduction: The growing burden of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa increasingly overlaps with endemic infectious diseases such as chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The coexistence of arterial hypertension (AH) and chronic HBV may increase morbidity and complicate clinical management.
Aim of Study: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors among chronic HBV carriers at the Laquintinie Hospital.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of Laquintinie Hospital, Douala, from December 2022 to January 2024, among 401 participants. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical measurements. Blood samples were collected for HBV screening using the sandwich ELISA method, and blood pressure was measured with a sphygmomanometer. Participants were categorized according to hypertension and HBV status. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with hypertension among chronic HBV carriers. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 41.14% (165/401). Among the 188 chronic HBV carriers, 92 were hypertensive, corresponding to a prevalence of 48.93%. HBV infection was significantly associated with hypertension (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.22–2.74; p = 0.003). Among HBV carriers, male sex (OR = 2.74; p = 0.005), younger adult age (21–30 years; OR = 6.65; p = 0.04), and primary education level (OR = 9.37; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with hypertension. Regular physical activity was protective (OR = 0.08; p < 0.001), whereas smoking (OR = 31.48; p < 0.001), overweight BMI (OR = 6.16; p < 0.001), abnormal pulse rates, and prior history of hypertension (OR = 3.19; p = 0.006) were significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with reduced odds of hypertension (OR = 0.32; p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among chronic HBV carriers in Douala, Cameroon, and HBV infection is significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension. Both non-modifiable (sex, age, education) and modifiable (smoking, physical inactivity, overweight, poor diet) factors contribute to this comorbidity. Integrating routine blood pressure screening and lifestyle interventions into HBV care services may help reduce cardiovascular risk in this population.

Keywords: Hypertension, hepatitis B virus, prevalence, cardiovascular risk, Cameroon, cross-sectional study.

Citation:

Dr.Jean-De-Dieu Tamokou, Epidemiological Profile Of Arterial Hypertension Among Chronic Carriers Of Hepatitis B Virus At Laquintinie Hospital, Douala, Cameroon: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Japanese Journal of Gastroenterology 2026.