Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in six Nicaraguan communities

Objective: Describe the prevalence of hypertension. Design: Population based cross-sectional survey. Setting: Six Nicaraguan communities with varying economies. Participants: 1,355 adults aged 20-60 years who completed both self-reported and quantitative measures of health. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of hypertension (systolic ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic ≥90 mm Hg, or self-reported medical history with diagnosis by a health care professional), uncontrolled hypertension (systolic ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg), diabetes (urinary glucose excretion ≥100 mg/dL or self-reported medical history diagnosed by a health care professional), and uncontrolled diabetes (urinary glucose excretion ≥100 mg/dL only). Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 22.0% (19.2% in men, 24.2% in women). Blood pressure was controlled in 31.0% of male hypertensives and 55.1% of female hypertensives (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74-4.69). Older age and higher body mass index were strongly associated with hypertension. Women who completed primary school had a lower risk of hypertension (OR .40; 95% CI .19-.85) compared to those with no formal education. A history of living in both urban and rural settings was associated with lower prevalence of hypertension (OR .52; 95% CI .34-.79). Diabetes mellitus was found in 1.2% of men and 4.3% of women. Male sex was independently associated with decreased risk of diabetes (OR .31; 95% CI .11-.86). Conclusions: At least one cardiovascular risk factor was found in half of this Nicaraguan sample. Cardiovascular risk factors should be the target of educational efforts, screening, and treatment.