PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AND PRE-HYPERTENSION AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION: FINDINGS FROM THE DUBAI HOUSEHOLD SURVEY, 2019

Abstract

Objective: Hypertension prevalence has risen over the last decades around the world. The latest estimates showed that nearly one-third of the adult world population is having hypertension (31.1%, 1.39 billion). Minimal data is available on the prevalence and correlates of hypertension (HTN) and pre-hypertension (PHTN) among adults in Dubai. [1,2]. The study aims to measure the prevalence of HTN and PHTN, and the associated socio-demographics, behavioral risk factors and comorbidities among the adult population of Dubai. Design and method: This study used data from the Dubai Household Health Survey, 2019. A cross-sectional population survey based on a complex multistage stratified cluster sampling design. The sample frame of the survey is the population of Dubai. Sampling weights were used for this study to account for sampling design. The total eligible sample included 2,530 adults (include both Emirati and non-Emirati who are 18+). HTN and PHTN were operationally defined according to the diagnostic cut-off points of the WHO criteria [3]. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with HTN and PHTN. Results: The overall prevalence of HTN in adults was 32.5% (38.37% in males and 16.66% in females). PHTN was prevalent in 29.8% of adults in Dubai (28.85% in males and 32.31% in females). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age groups, gender, occupations, and high Body Mass Index of the participants were significantly associated with a higher risk of HTN. Males, obese and participants enrolled in skilled and service works had higher risk of HTN, compared with the reference groups. For the correlates of PHTN in the present analysis, skilled and service workers and overweight individuals were associated with a higher prevalence of PHTN. Conclusions: his study showed a high prevalence of HTN and PHTN among adults in Dubai. Some socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors were identified as correlates of HTN and PHTN. Interventions aiming at increasing public awareness about such risk factors are essential. It is important to reallocate the healthcare services and resources to the groups of higher need among adults in Dubai.