Distribution, and Determinants of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Phenotypes Among Adults in Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol

In 2024, hypertension was affecting 23% of people aged 30-79 years globally, and less than half of those with hypertension were receiving treatment. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and over 75% of deaths from cardiovascular disease take place in low and middle-income countries. Digital wearable technology is now recommended by hypertension guidelines to improve early detection and management of the disease before the development of hypertension-mediated organ damage. The objective of this scoping review is to map and summarise the available evidence on ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes in sub-Saharan Africa. Digital health tools like ambulatory blood pressure monitors are important for improving diagnosis and management of hypertension in low-resource settings, but low private health insurance coverage may limit access to such health tools. The review will focus on the geographical distribution and determinants of ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes. This study will establish and present an overview of the ambulatory BP phenotypes in the adult population in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings will be reported using a narrative synthesis approach.