Summary Table.

What is known about the topic:

Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension of all the WHO regions. Hypertension prevalence in West Africa is rising and urbanisation is thought to be one of the drivers. Studies comparing hypertension prevalence in between urban and rural areas of West Africa have had mixed results.

What this study adds:

This systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature found high prevalence of hypertension in both rural and urban areas of West Africa with lower odds among urban dwellers. Limited sex analysis revealed no significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension between males and females. This study identified the need for a uniform definition for rural and urban (and semi-urban settings) in the region to allow for better comparison between these settings.