Contributory factors to hypertension among women selling fruits at Tshakhuma Open Market, Makhado Municipality, Vhembe District Limpopo Province South Africa

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a growing public health concern, particularly among women in Makhado Municipality, Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to determine the contributory factors of hypertension among women selling fruits at Tshakhuma open market, Makhado Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design and used a nonprobability total population sampling method. The setting was at the Tshakhuma open fruit market. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data. A pre-test was conducted with 25 individuals who were not part of the main study. The collected data was captured and analyzed using SPSS version 30.0.0 using binary logistic regression and chi-square tests. The research was conducted ethically, following ethical approval obtained from the relevant institutional review board. Informed consent was secured from respondents prior to the data collection. Results: The results showed that women selling at the Tshakhuma open fruit market are affected by various factors that can affect hypertension, such as their level of education, the type of transport they use to reach the market, and others. Chi-square results indicated a strong relationship among lifestyle factors, psychological factors, and hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension among women fruit sellers at Tshakhuma market is shaped by social and lifestyle factors, including old age and low level of education, which can increase vulnerabilities when it comes to experiencing hypertension. The study achieved its objective of investigating the contributory factors to hypertension among women selling fruit at the Tshakhuma open market in Makhado municipality. Contribution: The study will contribute to the body of knowledge on hypertension and will alert women selling at the market on how to stay fit and reduce the risk of hypertension. Recommendations: Women at Tshakhuma fruit markets need to be educated about how factors such as diet, lifestyle, and psychological factors can impact their lives when it comes to exposing themselves to hypertension. There is a gap in knowledge about hypertension that needs to be filled through targeted education regarding hypertension.