Ethnic Variation in Normal Blood Pressure Among Rural and Urban Dwellers in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Normal arterial blood pressure was studied in urban and rural areas of Borno State, Nigeria, involving four major indigenous groups. A total of 816 subjects were recruited for the exercise. The subjects were randomly selected, comprising of 50% males and 50% females in both the urban and rural communities. The mean systolic blood pressure (MSBP) and mean diastolic blood pressure (MDBP) were significantly lower (p < 0.5) in individuals below 30 years compared to those subjects above 30 years of age. The mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) levels were significantly lower (p < 0.5) in women than in men and in rural than urban dwellers. The mean blood pressure levels (MSBP, MDBP and MABP) were significantly lower in the rural compared with the urban at all ages and in both sexes. However, two extremes were recorded in the results. The Margis showed the highest MSBP and MDBP, while the Kanuris had the least in all the parameters. The other ethnic groups living in these communities presented blood pressure levels falling within these two extremes.