Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension among Iranian Adults, Birjand, Iran

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a major cause of noncommunicable diseases. In this study, we report the prevalence rate of HTN in Birjand population.

Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 1286 individuals in Birjand in 2014. Individuals with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg were considered as
hypertensive. Data were analyzed using Chi‑square test, independent t‑test, and one‑way ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically signifcant.

Results: Among the 1286 participants, 659 were women (51.2%). Prevalence of HTN was 20.1% (10.3% systolic HTN and 6.9% diastolic HTN). Prevalence self‑reported HTN was 12.3%. SBP and DBP means were higher in men (P < 0.001). Mean scores of SBP and DBP increased by aging and body mass index (P < 0.001). Diabetic individuals had higher SBP scores (P < 0.001). Dyslipidemic patients had greater SBP and DBP (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Prevalence of HTN in our study is high. About one‑ffth of the participants had HTN. In addition, BP is higher in men, elderly, and diabetic individual. Therefore, it is necessary to control BP regularly in different groups in society.
Keywords: Diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, Iran, prevalence, systolic blood pressure