Revista de Enfermagem e Cuidados

Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control in the Urban District of Wuhan, China: Implications for Community Nursing Practice

Abstract

Li Sj, Sit Whj, Gong Jie, Wong Mye, Zheng Yl and Wong Thomas

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health challenge contributing to cardiovascular disease and stroke, and leads to premature mortality and disability both globally and locally.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to determine the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in an urban Chinese population.

Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative survey design. A total of 1448 community residents were recruited from the SuiGuoHu district using a stratified random sampling strategy. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and health examination.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 35.4%, significantly higher in women (40.8%) than in men (30.7%) (P<0.001). More than one third (37.9%) of those with hypertension were not compliant with prescribed medications, significantly higher among women (44.4%) than men (28.6%). Approximately 68% were aware, with women (75.6%) significantly higher than men (60.3%) (P<0.001). The treatment rates were 87.7% and women were less likely (46.7%) to have their blood pressure controlled than men (47.2%).