WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dr. Zainab Khalefah Mohamed Ali, Dr. Zainab Ghassan Lutfi and Dr. Mohsin Ahmed Jasim

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension, affecting nearly one billion people globally, is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and renal failure, leading to around 10.8 million deaths annually. Emerging research highlights the critical role of diet in preventing and managing hypertension. Diets high in sodium and unhealthy fats, and low in fruits and vegetables, increase hypertension risk. Nutritional assessment helps identify dietary deficiencies and guide personalized interventions. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, proven to lower blood pressure, needs more research in non-Western populations like Iraq, where dietary adjustments can significantly improve hypertension management. The study aims to assess the nutritional status of hypertensive patients through a comprehensive evaluation that included a 24-hour dietary history, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and anthropometric measurements. It sought to determine the association between patients' nutritional status and various sociodemographic variables while also evaluating the relationship between dietary factors and hypertension by comparing patients' dietary intake against the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines. Methodology: This study utilized a cross-sectional design with an analytical component at the Nutrition Consultation Clinic of Baghdad Teaching Hospital from March 1 to July 15, 2024. A total of 210 hypertensive patients were recruited through convenience sampling, focusing on individuals aged 18 and above with primary hypertension. Data collection involved direct interviews assessing dietary intake, socio-demographics, and anthropometric measurements. Tools included a 24-hour dietary history, anthropometric measurements, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) using the InBody device to analyze body composition. A pilot study was conducted to refine data collection methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, focusing on sociodemographic variables and dietary factors. Ethical considerations included obtaining approvals from relevant committees and ensuring informed consent and data confidentiality. The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional status of hypertensive patients, providing insights for better management and intervention strategies. Results: The study analyzed 210 participants, predominantly female (73.3%), with a mean age of 49.35 years. Most were married (93.3%), had primary education (45.7%), and were unemployed or housewives (70.4%). A significant portion (68.6%) had low income. The average duration of hypertension was 6 years. Notably, 78.1% reported receiving no dietary advice. Dietary assessments revealed that 57.1% consumed excess calories, with 45.7% maintaining a balanced diet. Body composition analysis showed high rates of obesity, with a mean BMI of 36.6 kg/m² and 97.1% having elevated body fat. Additionally, the study highlighted significant deviations from the DASH diet recommendations and a high prevalence of elevated fat across body regions, indicating a need for targeted nutritional interventions. Conclusions: The study reveals that most hypertensive patients are middle-aged, low-income women with low education, who exhibit high rates of obesity and poor adherence to dietary recommendations, particularly the DASH diet. Many have had hypertension without receiving adequate nutrition therapy, leading to excessive calorie intake, low vegetable consumption, and deteriorating health outcomes.