Prevalence and associated factors of self-reported hypertension among Tehran adults in 2011: a population-based study (Urban HEART-2)

Hypertension is an important public-health challenge worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension greatly varies across countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported hypertension and to determine related factors in a large random sample of Tehran population in 2011.

In this cross sectional study, 69173 individuals aged 25-64 years were selected using multistage cluster random sampling method. All participants were interviewed by trained personnel using standard questionnaires. Weighted prevalence and incidence rates were calculated and principle component analysis (PCA) was used to construct wealth index. Chi-square and odds ratio were used to assess associations in univariate analysis. Logistic Regression model was used in multivariate analysis.

The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 5.27% in total, 3.83% in men and 6.64% in women (p< 0.001). The annual incidence rate of self-reported hypertension was 6.87 per 1000; 5.26 in men and 8.43 in women (p< 0.001), obviously varied across various districts. In multivariate analysis, age, sex (woman), marital status (single), obesity and smoking were positively associated with prevalence of self-reported hypertension. Education level was negatively associated to hypertension. On the other hand, wealth status was not associated to self-reported hypertension.

Our study findings highlighted low awareness rates of hypertension among Tehran adults especially in men and younger people. Hence, we recommend public health strategies to improve health education programs. Moreover, programs to develop the surveillance system and screening programs to early detection of undiagnosed cases are urgently needed particularly in high risk population subgroups.