Prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed hypertension in the Western region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Recent data regarding the prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed hypertension in Saudi Arabia are particularly lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and to identify potential associates of hypertension risk among adults in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Cross-sectional data for 489 Saudi adults were collected from public places in the cities of Madinah and Jeddah. Demographic, anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference), and blood pressure (assessed by a digital sphygmomanometer) data were collected from all participants during face-to-face interviews. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines were used to evaluate blood pressure status. Sodium intake was assessed using a semi-validated food frequency questionnaire. The prevalence of undiagnosed, elevated blood pressure, stage I, or stage II hypertension was 9.82%, 39.5%, and 17.2%, respectively. The proportions of individuals with undiagnosed hypertension were higher among men and smokers (p < .001 for both). Blood pressure status was positively associated with weight, body mass index, and waist circumference among participants (p < .001 for all). Higher body mass index and waist circumference were associated with increased odds of stage I and stage II hypertension. Sodium intake was not associated with blood pressure status. A strikingly high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was observed among the study sample. National intervention programs are necessary to encourage regular screening and follow-up for the early detection and management of hypertension.

Undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The pooled prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 21% (95% CI: 16–27). This prevalence is higher than primary study findings done in Saudi Arabia and India 36,37 . But it is lower than findings in the USA, China, India, and Sudan 38–41 .…”

“…This prevalence is higher than primary study findings done in Saudi Arabia and India. 36,37 But it is lower than findings in the USA, China, India, and Sudan. [38][39][40][41] Possible reasons for discrepancies include differences in socioeconomic status, disease knowledge, type of study design, vulnerability of population, and healthcare coverage.…”

“…Furthermore, those who have a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m 2 were twice as likely to be unaware of their hypertension status as compared with those whose BMI is < 25 kg/m 2 . Studies conducted in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and India support this finding 36–39 . Moreover, the likelihood of having undiagnosed hypertension was also raised by about two times for those having high triglycerides.…”

“…Males were 2.49 times more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension as compared with females. Studies conducted in the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan support this finding 36–38,41 . The possible reason might be due to females receiving more frequent medical checkups during family planning, antenatal care, and other maternity services, and knowing their blood pressure status.…”

“…Studies conducted in the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan support this finding. [36][37][38]41 The possible reason might be due to females receiving more frequent medical checkups during family planning, antenatal care, and other maternity services, and knowing their blood pressure status. Thus, this implies the need to increase male awareness for early screening and diagnosis of their blood pressure status for better treatment outcomes and the need for further studies exploring detailed reasons why males have a higher risk of having undiagnosed hypertension as compared to females.…”