Prevalence of hypertension and related risk factors in central Iran: Results from Yazd Health Study

Abstract Background: Hypertension, the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is a public health concern in world. Its prevalence varies between countries, due to differences in lifestyle and other risk factors' profile across the regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its related risk factors among adults in Yazd Greater Area. Methods: This cross-sectional study is a community-based study of 20-69 year-old adults living in Yazd. The participants were selected by multi-stage random cluster sampling. A valid questionnaire completed in a home visit. Blood pressure (BP), Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference were measured by standard protocol. Self-reported hypertension was recorded. levels of Physical Activity (PA) were categorized by IPAQ-SF. Chi-square test was used for categorical variables to analyze the differences. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine the association of risk factors to hypertension. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16 software. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: With 95% responding(n=9975), half of adults have a low PA and two thirds were overweight or obese. Positive history of hypertension was 18.5% (21.9% in females vs. 15.2% in males). The mean systolic and diastolic BP were 126.5 ± 18.4 mmHg and 80.2 ± 12.5 mmHg, respectively. Prevalence of hypertension was 36% (34.7% for women and 37.3% for men). The prevalence of hypertension is reduced with higher education, more PA, lower BMI and no history of diabetes (P value < 0.0001). Higher BP is less common in smokers (P value < 0.0001). By logistic regression analysis, hypertension were higher among men (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.64-2.03), eldest (OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 4.20-6.31), low-educated (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.17-1.67) and diabetics (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05-1.38).Hypertension was doubled in obese. There was no significant relationship between PA level, place of residence, smoking and hypercholesterolemia with high BP. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension in adults was high. By identifying common modifiable risk factors, health policy makers should prioritize health interventions to control risk factors. It is necessary to inform younger adult groups about ways to select healthy lifestyle and nutritional habits.