Abstract
Non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension, remain a major global public health concern and are increasingly affecting young adults, despite traditionally being associated with older age. Given the rising prevalence of hypertension in Lesotho and the scarcity of local data on modifiable environmental risk factors, this study examined environmental determinants of hypertension in young adults attending selected health facilities in Maseru, this is done to inform targeted prevention and policy interventions. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, and 150 participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data was collected through structured questionnaires that captured information on demographics, lifestyle practices, clinical history, and environmental exposures. The findings indicated that 30% (n=45) of participants had been diagnosed with hypertension, with a mean age at diagnosis of 27 years. Key modifiable risk factors identified included low physical activity levels (39%), alcohol use (57%), and overweight status (25.8%). A strong association was observed between hypertension and a positive family history, reported by 70% of hypertensive participants, as well as the presence of comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus (21%). Environmental exposures were common among participants, with noise pollution emerging as the most prevalent (34.1%) and the factor most strongly associated with hypertension among affected participants. The study concludes that hypertension among young adults is influenced by multiple interrelated lifestyle and environmental factors. It is therefore recommended that health promotion strategies be strengthened, routine screening services be enhanced, physical activity be actively promoted, and environmental pollution control measures be implemented to reduce the burden of hypertension in this population.