Prevalence and associated factors of hypertension: results from a three community-based survey, Jordan

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension, to determine its association with certain cardiovascular disease risk factors, and to evaluate level of hypertension awareness and control in an adult population in Jordan. The study used a cross-sectional population survey of a systematic sample of three communities. Data for the sample of 2299 adults, aged 25 years and older, were collected from September 1994 to September 1995. A total of 370 subjects or 16.1% were found to have hypertension. The prevalence rate was higher among women (17.1%) than men (14.4%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that hypertension was positively associated with gender, age, family history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and total serum cholesterol, but negatively associated with level of education. No association between hypertension and smoking was detected in this study. About one-half (48.6%) of hypertensives in this study were unaware of their diagnosis. Awareness of hypertension was positively associated with age and family history. More than one-third (36.5%) of those aware of their diagnosis did not achieve control of their hypertension. Hypertension appears to be a common public health problem in Jordan. Awareness and control of hypertension are far below optimal levels.