Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Abstract

OBJECTIVESHypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire.RESULTSThe overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN.CONCLUSIONSThe results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and related factors in adult Iranian Population

“…[24] In different countries this awareness has been reported from 25 to 75%. [25] Awareness in Yazd is lower compared to most studies in Iran (69.2% in Isfahan , [9] 60.5% in Tabriz, [12] and 57% in Kerman [26] . It is slightly higher than Golestan's (46.2%) and a previous study in Yazd (43.7%).…”

“…Despite treatment, only 39% had controlled hypertension, which is close to the worldwide statistics (37.1%), although it was better in high-income countries (50.4%) in 2010. [24] Although the difference between treated and controlled hypertension was reported in all studies, Isfahan (59.1%) and Tabriz (68.5%) in Iran reported a better-controlled situation [9,12] suggesting worse control of hypertension in Yazd. A comparison of blood pressure control status in Yazd in this study with the previous study shows threefold growth.…”

“…Although the treated hypertension in Yazd is higher than the world average (36.9%), [24] it is more inadequate than other studies in Iran. [9,12] The availability and affordability (low cost) of health care services have made this index more favorable in Iran than in the world -even in high-income countries (55.6%). [16,24] Un-prescribed drug use and differences in the definition of treated people may be other reasons for this difference.…”

“…This association between age and sex has been confirmed in other studies. [9,12,16] However, the odds ratios between sex-age groups in geographic regions vary depending on the level of education, availability, and cost of health services.…”

“…is associated with the awareness and treatment of hypertension. [9,29,31] It will cause people to go to health centers; as a result, hypertension will be diagnosed sooner, and medication will be started.…”