PM253 Awareness, Medication Use and Control of Hypertension in United Arab Emirates 1 Layla Al-Marzouqi, 1Syed M Shah, 2Jawad Hashim, 3Satish Chandra-Nair, 1Tom Loney, 1Iain Blair, 1Tar-Ching Aw

Abstract

Introduction: WHO estimates that the mortality associate with non-communicable diseases will increase more rapidly in developing countries but the morbidity is projected to increase in Middle East is increasing due to good healthcare system in this part of the world. In a rapidly develop society such as the UAE, the rapid changes in lifestyles, increased levels of unhealthy diet and sedentary behaviors have increased the risk of noncommunicable diseases including hyertension. In 2008 WHO estimated the prevalence of hypertension in the UAE to be 27.5% . studies in the UAE revealed that hypertension is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Objectives: With unacceptably high rates of obesity and diabetes, hypertension is becoming a major public health problem the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in adults in Al Ain, UAE. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Study participants (n1⁄4622)were recruited as part of a global health project to identify risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Trained nurses measured blood pressure (BP), height, weight, waist and hip circumference and collected a fasted venousbloodsample. InadequateBPcontrolwasdefinedas greater thanor equal to140/90mmHg. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 43 years (54% females). Ethnic composition included native Emirati (52%), other Arabs (46%), and others (2%). The overall prevalence of hypertension was 18% (95%CI, 15.3-21.6) which varied by ethnicity, 14% (Emirati), 22% (other Arab) and 38% (others). Of those with hypertension, 34.8% were not aware of their hypertension status. The lack of awareness was 41% in Emirati, 30% in other Arabs and 40% in others. Over half of hypertensive study participants (54%) reported that they had not used anti-hypertension medicine in the last two days. Of those who reported using medicine during the previous month, 49% had inadequate BP control. Conclusion: A high proportion of adults in the UAEwith hypertension had inadequate control of blood pressure. There was ethnic disparity in hypertension prevalence and awareness in the study subjects. Future public health awareness programs should focus on educating at-risk populations about the health risks associated with inadequate BP control and offer screening services coupled with lifestyle modification counseling and self-monitoring of BP training. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared