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Risk factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in a multi-ethnic Asian population

Yi Wu1, E Shyong Tai, Derrick Heng

  • 1Centre for Molecular Epidemiology, National University of Singapore, Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore.

Journal of Hypertension
|January 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension awareness and control are low in Singapore despite high treatment rates. Targeted education and screening are needed for younger, educated adults and Malays to improve hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor.
  • Effective management requires awareness, treatment, and control.
  • Multi-ethnic Asian populations present unique challenges in hypertension care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control.
  • To identify disparities in hypertension management within a multi-ethnic Asian population.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 5022 participants across four cross-sectional studies (2004-2007).
  • Data collection via questionnaires, physical examinations, and blood tests.
  • Statistical analysis using multiple logistic regression to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension awareness (51.8%) and control (27.1%) were low, despite high treatment rates (84.4% of aware individuals).
  • Younger, never-married, highly educated working adults showed reduced awareness and treatment.
  • Low socioeconomic status individuals had higher treatment rates but poorer control.
  • Coexisting cardiovascular disease risk factors did not improve treatment or control.
  • Diuretic use, a guideline-recommended treatment, was uncommon (15.0%).

Conclusions:

  • Significant improvements in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are needed in Singapore.
  • Enhanced education and targeted screening/treatment are recommended for younger, educated, higher socioeconomic status individuals, and Malays.
  • Specific interventions are required to improve control among older and diabetic hypertensive patients.
Abstract

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