Related Experiment Videos

Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in rural Bangladesh: A population-based cross-sectional study

Sobiya Aziz Badat1, C Emdad Haque1, Shakhawat Hossain2

  • 1Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Plos One
|July 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension affects one-third of adults in rural Bangladesh. Key risk factors include age and obesity, with significant gender and socioeconomic disparities. Policy must consider these factors for effective intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, pose significant mortality risks in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Rural Bangladesh faces a data gap regarding hypertension prevalence and associated risk factors.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and distribution of hypertension in rural Bangladesh.
  • To identify demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and behavioral risk factors associated with hypertension.
  • To inform evidence-based policy interventions for hypertension control.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017, encompassing 7384 households across 149 villages in rural Bangladesh.
  • Data collected included blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and behavioral factors from adults aged 18 years and above.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of hypertension.

Main Results:

  • Elevated blood pressure (prehypertension or hypertension) was observed in 33.7% of men and 28.6% of women.
  • Age and overweight/obesity were the strongest hypertension risk factors for both genders.
  • Significant associations were found between hypertension, age, gender, socioeconomic status, tobacco consumption (women), and physical activity levels (gender-specific).

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is highly prevalent in rural Bangladesh, with significant variations based on gender and socioeconomic status.
  • Age and overweight/obesity are critical risk factors, necessitating focused interventions.
  • Policy interventions must address gender-specific risks, rural-urban disparities, and socioeconomic contexts for effective hypertension management.

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.