Survey on the Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Tibetans at High-altitude in China Ngawa

Abstract

Background:The prevalence of hypertension in China increased recent years. There are some surveys reported the hypertension status in different regions in China. However, little data revealed the epidemic status of hypertension among Tibetans at high altitude area in Ngawa. In this study, we explored the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in this special population. Methods:The cross-sectional analysis data was collected from 2228 Tibetan residents in seven high-altitude areas of Ngawa from September 2018 to June 2019, using a stage cluster sampling method. All participants were measured their blood pressure by trained physicians and have completed the questionnaire in the local hospital and health clinics. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and /or diastolic blood pressure(DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg according to standards in China. Results:The prevalence rate of hypertension was 24.6% in this area, which was similar to previous survey results the general population in China (23.2%). The awareness rate (32.3%), treatment rate (21.7%), and control rate (6.2%) of hypertension in high altitudes were lower than in the plain area in China.Compared to the 2015 Sichuan rural survey, the awareness rate increased (32.3% vs 24.6%), but the treatment rate (21.7% vs 24.7%) and the control rate (6.2% vs 14.7%) remained low. Conclusions:From the results, we can come to a conclusion that the rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension remain unexpected low in Tibetans, especially in female Tibetan at high altitude area of Ngawa. The related factors may include poor medical conditions, economic underdevelopment and traditional Tibetan customs. We hope to add some Tibetan data to the clinical epidemiology database of hypertension and hope the study can be used for future research.