Assessment of Soico-Demographic Factors and Dietary Habits among Hypertension Patient in Derna, Libya

Hypertension is a global public health problem. It is one of the major causes of premature death worldwide. This study carried out in Derna city Libya to study socio-demographic characteristics and to assess dietary habits among 150 hypertension patients aged 20 to 96 years. Data were obtained from patients by cross-sectional then analyzed using SPSS version 24. The results revealed 100(66.7%) have family history. Additionally large number of patients were with history of diabetes mellitus 117(78.0%). Regarding the anthropometric measurements of patients 44.0 % category as overweight and 34.0 % were obese. In contrast, positive correlation was noted between body weight and different age groups of patients. Moreover, 66(44.0%) of them were consumed fruits every day also just about 12(8.0%) consumed vegetables each day. In addition, 50(33.3%) and 81(54.0%) of patients were consumed canned and fried food respectively every day. Moreover, 67(44.7%) and 52(34.7%) were consumed meat products and eggs respectively every day. Our investigations revealed that intakes of meat products, eggs, canned and fried food were high while consumption vegetables and fruits were relatively limited which linked to poor health and increased risk of hypertension complication.