Epidemiology of prehypertension and hypertension among Egyptian Adults

Type Journal Article - Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine
Title Epidemiology of prehypertension and hypertension among Egyptian Adults
Author(s)
Volume 29
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
URL http://www.eacm.org.eg/PDF/2011/January_2011/january_11_01.pdf
Abstract
We aimed to describe the prevalence and predictors of prehypertension and hypertension in the Egyptian adult population aged 25 and above. We also described the rates and predictors of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. Methods: Data on 6671 individuals from the 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS 2008) were used. Prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension by selected variables was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to elicit modifiable risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension, and the population attributable fractions (PAF) for these risk factors were calculated. The prevalence and predictors of awareness, treatment and control for hypertensives were calculated. Results: The overall prevalence rate of prehypertension and hypertension in Egypt were 57.2% and 17.6% respectively. Only 25.2% of the population had normal blood pressure levels of <120/80 mmHg. The highest prevalences of hypertension were found in Ismailia, Alexandria, Menya,
Menoufia and Luxor governorates. The prevalence of hypertension among males and females was similar; however, females had a lower prevalence of prehypertension, and a
higher prevalence of normal blood pressure, than males. Overweight and obesity were then most important modifiable risk factors of prehypertension and hypertension, accounting for 25% and 56% of the PAF, respectively. The rates of awareness, treatment and control were 54.2%, 43.4% and 21.3% respectively. The most important predictors of awareness were female sex, increasing age, high wealth, and private insurance coverage. No other predictors of treatment and control were found. Conclusion: Mass health education programs should be urgently implemented to encourage the Egyptian population to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent hypertension and prehypertension, and to control hypertension. Screening and clinical guidelines should be implemented to improve awareness, treatment and control rates among hypertensives.

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