The association of educational attainment and SBP among older community-living adults: the Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect and Zest in the Elderly (MOBILIZE) Boston Study

Evaluating a Telephone and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control and Self-Care Behaviors in Adults with Low-Socioeconomic Status

Hypertension (HTN) affects nearly 75 million in the United States, and percentages increase with low socioeconomic status (SES) due to poor access to, and quality of, care, and poor self-care behaviors. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) employ evidence-based strategies, such as telehealth interventions, to improve blood pressure (BP) control in under-resourced communities, yet a southeastern FQHC could achieve a BP control rate of only 27.6%, well below the Health People 2020 goal of 61.2%. This pilot project used a pre/post, matched-cohort design to evaluate the effect of a telehealth intervention on BP control and self-care behaviors. Secondary outcomes included self-efficacy and perceived stress. Frequency and percentage, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and McNemar tests were used for statistical analysis of results from a convenience sample of 27 participants. Baseline HTN management guidance that incorporated home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) was reinforced through telephone counseling every two weeks. Although BP control was not achieved, average scores for systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly: 13 mm Hg (p = 0.0136) and 5 mm Hg (p = 0.0095), respectively. Statistically significant differences were also seen in select self-care behaviors. Greater BP reduction aligned with higher self-efficacy scores and call engagement. Overall, telephone counseling and HBPM were feasible and effective in reducing BP and increasing self-care behaviors. The inability to control BP may be attributable to under-recognition of stress, lack of medication adherence/reconciliation, and underutilization of guideline-based prescribing recommendations. Findings elucidate the potential effectiveness of a sustainable telehealth intervention to improve BP in low-SES populations.

Gender-specific factors associated with hypertension among women of childbearing age: Findings from a nationwide survey in India

Background

The association of conventional (modifiable and non-modifiable) risk factors for hypertension has already been established in the literature. However, there are other putative risk factors specific to women (early menarche, age at first childbirth, women empowerment, number of children born, hysterectomy, etc.) in the development of hypertension. This study is the first study to highlight the potential association of gender-specific factors along with other conventional risk factors and hypertension, using a nationwide sample.

Methods

The study is a secondary analysis of the data collected from the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4), a nationally representative sample of 699,686 women of reproductive age in India. The interview schedule included data on general background characteristics, marriage, reproductive history, hysterectomy, knowledge, and utilization of family planning services, maternal and child care, women empowerment, non-communicable diseases, and domestic violence. The blood pressure was measured by direct observation by the study investigators using a digital blood pressure monitor. To account for disproportionate sampling and non-response, a weighted statistical analysis was performed. Logistic regression analysis was done to study the strength of the association between the risk factors and hypertension (computation of unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio).

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 11.8% among women. Among the conventional factors, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), tobacco use, and alcohol use had higher odds for hypertension, while higher education, higher socio-economic position, and living in urban areas had lower odds. Among the gender-specific factors, younger age at first childbirth, early menarche, oral contraceptive pill use [adjusted OR: 1.23; (1.18-1.28)], and hysterectomy [adjusted OR: 1.10; (1.05-1.69)] were found to be risk factors for hypertension. Domestic violence was significantly associated with hypertension [unadjusted OR: 1.11; (1.02-1.20)]. Empowered women had lower odds of hypertension [adjusted OR: 0.93; (0.95-1.03)].

Conclusion

Significant association of these gender-specific factors among women necessitates the need for taking into account these factors while screening for hypertension among women and thus, designing a tailored model better suited to them for risk assessment.

[Hypertension in working age population: influence of gender and education]

Introduction Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a major cause of premature death. Study of age/gender-related and social aspects of the disease, and the assessment of the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment are essential elements of the epidemiological monitoring of hypertension and support a reasonable approach to planning further therapeutic and preventive interventions.Objective Assess the prevalence of hypertension in the working-age population, examine the relationship between hypertension patterns and level of education of respondents taking into account age, gender, and the main aspects of lifestyle.Materials and Methods The study included industrial workers who underwent a routine medical examination in September-November 2015. A total of 2432 subjects (59% males and 41% of females) were surveyed. The study design is cross-sectional, analytic. Methods used: anonymous questionnaire surveys using the WHO STEPS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, BP measurement. Questions about hypertension included awareness of the presence of the disease and the administration of antihypertensive drugs. Hypertension was diagnosed with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, or in the case of the administration of antihypertensive drugs. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by the percentage of patients who had reached the target BP values (<140/90 mm Hg), including treated with antihypertensive drugs. The control of hypertension was judged by the percentage of patients with the target BP levels among all respondents with hypertension.Results Hypertension was diagnosed in 40% of the study subjects. The disease was more prevalent in males (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21), overweight, and obese patients (OR = 2.5) and less prevalent in subjects with higher education (OR = 0.6). No significant association of lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, eating fruits and vegetables, physical activity) with the prevalence of hypertension was revealed. 76% of respondents with hypertension knew about their disease (51% among those who did not take antihypertensive drugs). Awareness was higher in patients with severe hypertension (OR = 2.5), overweight and obese patients (OR = 1.96), and respondents with higher education (OR = 1.55), being significantly lower in males (OR = 0.44). 50% of respondents with hypertension (52% of those with severe hypertension) took antihypertensive drugs with males twice less often than females (OR = 0.49). The target BP levels were detected in 39% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs, less frequently in males (OR = 0.63) and overweight patients (OR = 0.48), and significantly more frequently in patients with higher education (OR = 2.28), regardless their lifestyle.Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension in working patients was 40%. Males were more likely to suffer hypertension and less aware of their disease. The target blood pressure levels were less frequently observed in males during the treatment. On the other hand, patients with higher education had a lower prevalence of hypertension, significantly higher awareness of the disease and efficacy of the treatment than those who had secondary or primary school education. Overall, the study confirmed that the sample of industrial workers could be a reliable source for monitoring hypertension. The significant gender differences and an independent protective effect of the level of education were identified in the epidemiology of hypertension, which should be taken into account in further studies.

Predictors of isolated systolic hypertension among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES

Systolic blood pressure rise among T2DM patients was main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Objective of this study was to identify predictors of isolated systolic hypertension among T2DM patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, 2016. We conducted cross sectional study using simple random sampling and interviewer administered questionnaire. Isolated systolic hypertension is SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and < 90 mmHg. Data entered and analyzed using Epi Data and SPSS respectively. Predictor factor was declared at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 315 T2DM took part. Prevalence of ISH was 27.6% [95% CI (22.7, 32.5%)]. One hundred sixty and two (51.4%) patients were males with mean age of 54.1 from 22 to 87 years. Male sex [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.21-4.72, p = 0.012], unemployment [AOR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.48-7.03, p = 0.003], age of 47-55 [AOR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.03-6.70, p = 0.044], single [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.13-4.51, p = 0.021], ≤ Grade 8 [AOR = 2.94, 95% CI 1.10-7.85, p = 0.03] and income (ETB) 501-800 [AOR = 21.9, 95% CI 7.62-63.1, p < 0.001], 801-1500 [AOR = 5.78, 95% CI 2.55-13.1, p < 0.001] and > 1500 [AOR = 4.23, 95% CI 1.74-10.30, p = 0.001] were significant factors of ISH. The health sector has to establish preventive strategies for ISH among T2DM patients by giving special attention to predictor factors.

Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that is linked with fatal complications and is an overwhelming global challenge. Primary prevention is a key to control hypertension with identification of major risk factors. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension.

Methods

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 903 adults aged 25 to 64 years in Dire Dawa City, East Ethiopia. Data were collected using World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) for non-communicable disease (NCD) standard survey tool. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify relative effects of distal, proximal, and immediate risk factors of hypertension, and all statistical tests were declared significantly at P-value<0.05.

Results

The average SBP and DBP were 124.98±17.18 mmHg and 78.92±10.13 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.43% (95% CI: 21.57, 27.28). Majority (51.64%) of adults were not aware of their elevated blood pressure status. hypertension was significantly associated with the age group 30-44 (aOR 3.61, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.55), 45-54 (aOR 5.36, 95% CI: 2.62, 10.91), and 55-64 (aOR 9.38, 95% CI: 4.73, 18.59), being unemployed (aOR 1.68, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.77), ever smoking (aOR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.23), having abdominal obesity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.64), and BMI≥25 kg/m² (aOR 1.48, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.15).

Conclusion

Moderately high prevalence of hypertension was observed among adults in study setting demonstrating a major public health problem. Majority of adults with hypertension in study setting were not aware of their elevated BP status highlighting the burden of the hidden morbidity and subsequent complications. Community level intervention and routine assessment of sociodemographic, behavioral, and biophysiological risk factors, screening, and diagnosis of NCDs should be institutionalized to address the occult burden.

Educational attainment does not modify the effect of educational interventions on blood pressure control: a secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the effects of community-based educational interventions to improve blood pressure, weight and health behaviours benefit participants with lower educational levels more than those with higher educational levels.

DESIGN

Secondary data analysis.

SETTING

Two 12-month community-based educational interventions, one led by trained peers and one delivered by health professionals.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 403 hypertensive individuals, grouped by education (high school or less; 1-3 years college; 4 + years college).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Blood pressure, weight, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake.

RESULTS

We found that changes in blood pressure, weight and physical activity were similar across education levels; college graduates consumed more daily servings of fruits and vegetables at baseline (3.7 versus 3.6 for those with 12-15 years and 3.1 for those with < 12 years, p = 0.0112), and increased intake more after the intervention (+0.4 versus -0.1 and -0.1, p = 0.0142). The two methods of delivery - peer-led versus professional - had similar effects on all measures.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that educational interventions, whether delivered by peers or professionals, may improve chronic disease self-management among participants but do not confer greater benefits on participants with lower educational levels.

Sociodemographic correlates of four indices of blood pressure and hypertension among older persons in Japan

BACKGROUND

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Japan has traditionally had higher levels of measured blood pressure than many Western countries, and reducing levels of hypertension has been a major focus of Japanese health policy over recent decades. In the West, hypertension is strongly associated with sociodemographic and behavioral (smoking and body mass index, BMI) factors; studies of the association between sociodemographic factors and biological indicators have not been fully explored in the elderly population of Japan using nationally representative survey data.

OBJECTIVE

To describe hypertension prevalence rates with increasing age and to examine the link between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (including age, gender, education, residence, smoking, and BMI) and measures of blood pressure and overall hypertension in the Japanese population aged ≥68 years.

METHODS

Data were collected in 2006 during the fourth wave of the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging, a nationally representative sample of those ≥68. The analytic sample includes 2,634 participants. Pulse pressure, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, as well as hypertension, were regressed on sociodemographic and behavioral factors.

RESULTS

There is no significant difference in the prevalence of overall hypertension by age for men and women from ages 68-69 to 90+. Higher BMI and older age were linked to higher blood pressure and higher chance of having hypertension. More years of education and being female were associated with a lower likelihood of measured hypertension. Smoking, rural residence, and living alone were not significantly associated with the outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

The increase in hypertension with higher BMI raises concerns about future health in Japan as BMI increases. The lack of a relationship between smoking and any measure of blood pressure or hypertension is an indicator that smoking may have different effects in Japan than in other countries. Because there is no effect of living alone on blood pressure, compliance with drug regimes may not be enhanced by living with others in Japan.