Abstract P347: Rural/urban Differences In Anti-hypertensive Medication Use Among Women Of Reproductive Age With Hypertension: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the US. Approximately one in ten to one in six women of reproductive age (WRA; aged 18-44 years) have hypertension. Control of hypertension through lifestyle behaviors and anti-hypertensive medication can prevent complications across the life course. Characterizing the current use of anti-hypertensive medication among WRA by urban/rural status offers opportunities to inform public health action. Methods: Data from 59,407 WRA responding to the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was used to determine hypertension prevalence from 49 states (New Jersey did not meet data collection standards), District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Among the subset of 6,855 who self-reported hypertension, estimates of current anti-hypertensive medication use were calculated. Prevalence ratios were used to estimate the association between urban/rural status and self-reported use of anti-hypertensive medications, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, and insurance status. Results: The estimated hypertension prevalence among WRA was 10.7% (95%CI:10.3%-11.1%) with 14.0% (95%CI:12.7%-15.5%) in rural and 10.4% (95%CI:10.0%-10.9%) in urban counties. An estimated 45.1% (95%CI:43.1%-47.2%) of WRA with hypertension reported currently using anti-hypertensive medication with estimates of 57.1% (95%CI:51.9%-62.1%) in rural and 44.0% (95%CI:41.9%-46.2%) in urban counties. WRA with hypertension living in rural counties were 1.29 times (95%CI:1.17-1.41) more likely to report currently using anti-hypertensive medication compared to those living in urban counties. Conclusion: Less than half of WRA with hypertension were currently using anti-hypertensive medication. Living in rural counties was associated with a higher frequency of use of anti-hypertensive medication. Ensuring appropriate blood pressure control through engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors and appropriate use of medication when needed in WRA can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities.