Revalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in six nicaraguan communities

• Objective: Describe the prevalence of hypertension. Design: Population based cross-sectional survey. Setting: Six Nicaraguan communities with varying economies. Participants: 1,355 adults aged 20-60 years who completed both self-reported and quantitative measures of health. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of hypertension (systolic >= 140 mm Hg, diastolic >= 90 mm Hg, or self-reported medical history with diagnosis by a health care professional), uncontrolled hypertension (systolic >= 140 mm Hg or diastolic >= 90 mm Hg), diabetes (urinary glucose excretion >= 100 mg/dL or self-reported medical history diagnosed by a health care professional), and uncontrolled diabetes (urinary glucose excretion >= 100 mg/dL only). Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 22.0% (19.2% in men, 24.2% in women). Blood pressure was controlled in 31.0% of male hypertensives and 55.1% of female hypertensives (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74-4.69). Older age and higher body mass index were strongly associated with hypertension. Women who completed primary school had a lower risk of hypertension (OR .40; 95% CI .19-.85) compared to those with no formal education. A history of living in both urban and rural settings was associated with lower prevalence of hypertension (OR .52; 95% CI .34-.79). Diabetes mellitus was found in 1.2% of men and 4.3% of women. Male sex was independently associated with decreased risk of diabetes (OR .31; 95% CI .11-.86). Conclusions: At least one cardiovascular risk factor was found in half of this Nicaraguan sample. Cardiovascular risk factors should be the target of educational efforts, screening, and treatment.

Nyckelord

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Central America

Developing Nations

Diabetes

Hypertension

Nicaragua

Noncommunicable Diseases

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)