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

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 significant.

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-fifth 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.