Prevalence of Undiagnosed Hypertension in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Undiagnosed hypertension (UHTN) remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, leading to severe complications due to delayed diagnosis and management. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of UHTN among adults aged 18 years and older, using data from studies conducted in Bangladesh and published between 2010 and 2024. A comprehensive search of major databases yielded 1028 records, from which nine relevant studies, encompassing a total of 28949 participants, were selected and evaluated for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, providing valuable insights into the prevalence of UHTN within the Bangladeshi population. The pooled prevalence of UHTN was 11% (95% CI: 6%-19%) based on a random-effects model, with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 99.5%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence in rural areas (13%; 95% CI: 4%-35%) compared to urban areas (12%; 95% CI: 1%-54%) and elevated occupational risk among bankers (17%; 95% CI: 0%-94%). While funnel plot asymmetry was noted, Egger's test (p = 0.3113) indicated no significant publication bias. Sensitivity analyses, including Leave-One-Out Analysis, affirmed the robustness of the pooled estimate. The findings underscore notable geographic, occupational, and sociodemographic disparities in UHTN prevalence, highlighting the need for nationwide screening programs and targeted community awareness campaigns, particularly in underserved rural areas. Further research is imperative to explore causal factors and inform effective prevention and management strategies.