Distribution of blood pressures in Gemlik District, north-west Turkey
Date
2002-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension among individuals over 30 years of age and to plan a follow-up programme for the same age group. A community-based sample of 1992 individuals (952 men and 1040 women) was selected randomly. Out of the total study population, 1388 (69.7%) individuals had normal blood pressure according to World Health Organisation criteria (systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg), and the rest (n = 604, 30.3%) had hypertension to varying degrees. Since 61 individuals with normal blood pressure were using antihypertensive medication, the overall hypertension prevalence was 33.4%. Among the study subjects with hypertension, 44.4% were aware of their condition, 37.7% were using medication and 9.2% had controlled hypertension. One out of five individuals (n = 399, 20.0%) had never had their blood pressure measured before. Females had a higher hypertension prevalence than males (36.7% and 29.7%, respectively). Hypertension prevalence increased with age and individuals with a body mass index > 25 were at greater risk. The present findings suggest that there is a need to implement an effective, community-based and low-cost management programme.
Description
Keywords
Age factors, Hypertension prevalence, Adults, Blood pressure control, Body mass index, Follow-up, Prevalence of hypertension, Population, Awareness, Epidemiology, Prevention, Community
Citation
Aytekin, N. D. vd. (2002). "Distribution of blood pressures in Gemlik District, north-west Turkey" Health & Social Care in The Community, 10(5), 394-401.