Sex disparities in awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Peru

Understanding sex differences in the hypertension treatment cascade is essential, particularly in developing countries where such data are limited. This study aimed to evaluate sex differences in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in Peru.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the 2023 Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative survey using a stratified, two-stage cluster sampling design. We included individuals aged at least 15 years with complete and valid blood pressure data. Hypertension was defined based on self-reports and blood pressure measurements. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and all analyses were weighted to account for the survey's complex design.

In total, 36 075 individuals were included (mean age 41 years; 51.9% women). The prevalence of hypertension was lower in women than in men [17.8 vs. 20.9%; odds ratio (OR) 0.66, 95% CI 0.59-0.75]. However, women exhibited significantly higher odds of hypertension awareness (70.4 vs. 41.6%; OR 3.41, 95% CI 2.70-4.30), treatment (42.8 vs. 25.3%; OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.59-2.64), and control (45.7 vs. 21.3%; OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.68- 4.18) compared to men.

In Peru, notable sex differences exist in the hypertension treatment cascade, with women more likely than men to be aware of, treated for, and have controlled hypertension. These findings highlight the need for sex-specific strategies to improve hypertension management outcomes.