LIBERIA MEDICAL &
DENTAL ASSOCIATION
JOURNAL
The Liberia Medical & Dental Association Journal (LMDAJ) is owned and published by the Liberia Medical & Dental Association. All rights reserved.
Welcome to The Liberia Medical
& Dental Association Journal
The Liberia Medical & Dental Association Journal (LMDAJ) publishes contributions from medical researchers of scientific and educational interest to medical and dental practitioners and researchers as well as those in related disciplines, with special focus on medical practice and research in Africa and its peoples. The aim of this Journal is to provide a medium for international dissemination of research findings originating in Liberia, and the greater West African subregion, to promote cooperation amongst and between medical researchers in Africa and elsewhere. The Journal is published in English and French. Printed supplements are published upon arrangement with the Editor-In-Chief.
Latest Publications
Announcement!
A Call For Manuscripts!
The Editorial Board of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association Journal (LMDAJ) invites doctors, clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals worldwide to submit their manuscripts for publication in our upcoming issues.
Commentary..
From The Editor
The resurgence of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association Journal in 2024 marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to address the pressing health challenges in Liberia and the broader West African region. This publication aims to serve as a beacon of knowledge, providing healthcare professionals with the latest research, insights, and discussions pertinent to our region’s unique health landscape. As we celebrate this return, it is imperative to draw attention to two interconnected and increasingly prevalent health issues: diabetes and kidney disease. – Professor Philip Zochonis Ireland, Editor-in-Chief, Liberia Medical and Dental Association Journal
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Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control Among Adults in Primary Care Clinics, Montserrado County, Liberia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background and objectives: Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa, but recent data from Liberia are scarce. We estimated the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, and identified associated factors, among adults attending primary care clinics in Montserrado County.
Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study conducted from March to August 2025.
Subjects, materials, setting and measurements: 1,400 adults aged 18 years or older were recruited by systematic sampling at eight clinics (three urban, three peri-urban, two rural). Participants completed the WHO STEPS questionnaire; blood pressure (mean of two readings), anthropometry, fasting glucose, lipid profile and serum creatinine were measured. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, or current antihypertensive treatment.
Results: The mean age was 43.6 years (SD 15.2) and 56.3% were women. The prevalence of hypertension was 36.4% (95% CI 33.9-38.9). Among hypertensive participants, 48.2% were aware of their diagnosis, 31.4% were treated and 14.7% had controlled blood pressure. Older age (aOR 9.9 for 60 years or above versus 18-29 years), obesity (aOR 2.9), diabetes (aOR 2.2) and family history (aOR 1.7) were independently associated with hypertension. Hypertensive participants had higher glucose, LDL cholesterol and creatinine, and lower eGFR (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Hypertension is common and poorly controlled in Montserrado County primary care. Screening, reliable access to low-cost medicines and integrated management of cardiometabolic risk should be prioritised, particularly in rural clinics.
Revision (version 2): clinics and participants were selected by systematic sampling with a 91% response rate; analyses used a cluster-robust model (ICC 0.04), and a sensitivity analysis excluding the two rural clinics with fewer than 150 participants gave similar estimates.
Version 3: crude and adjusted odds ratios are now shown side by side in Table 3, the wide interval for the 60+ group is explained, the Discussion was shortened and references 14 and 22 were corrected.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Adults Attending Outpatient Clinics in Monrovia, Liberia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa, yet data from Liberia remain limited.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 420 adults aged 18 years and older attending outpatient clinics in Monrovia between January and June 2026. Blood pressure, anthropometrics and lifestyle data were collected using a structured questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 38.1% (95% CI 33.5-42.8). Older age, obesity, high salt intake and family history were independently associated with hypertension.
Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among adults in Monrovia. Community screening and salt-reduction programs are recommended.
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