Cardiovascular, Glycaemic and Hepatitis B Screening among Worshippers in Umuagu Community, Umuahia North, Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension, abnormal blood glucose and hepatitis B virus infection remain important public health concerns in Nigeria. Community- and faith-based screening can facilitate early identification of apparently healthy individuals at risk. This study assessed cardiovascular, glycaemic and hepatitis B screening outcomes among worshippers in Umuagu Community, Umuahia North, Abia State, Nigeria.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional screening was conducted among 144 worshippers recruited through voluntary participation. Blood pressure, pulse rate and capillary blood glucose were measured using standard procedures, while hepatitis B infection was screened using a rapid diagnostic test. Blood pressure was classified according to the ACC/AHA criteria. Data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages.
Results: Participants were predominantly female (83.3%), while 39.6% were aged 30–39 years. Of the respondents, 37.5% had Stage 2 hypertensive-range blood pressure and 20.8% had Stage 1 readings, giving 58.3% with hypertensive-range measurements. Blood glucose levels were 70–99 mg/dL in 41.7%, 100–125 mg/dL in 35.4%, and 126–199 mg/dL in 18.8%; none recorded ≥200 mg/dL. Most participants (70.8%) had pulse rates of 60–100 beats/minute, while 8.3% had tachycardic readings. All 144 participants were non-reactive for hepatitis B.
Conclusion: Elevated blood pressure was the most prominent abnormal finding. Regular faith-based screening, health education, repeat blood pressure assessment and appropriate referral may enhance early detection and prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Blood pressure, Blood Sugar, worshiper, Age, Sex

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