Abstract
BackgroundThere is a lack of data about hypertension screening in low- to middle-income countries. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of blood pressure (BP) screening in Karachi, Pakistan. The secondary objective was to identify ways to improve effective BP screening practices among the population at risk.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to May 2017. The sample population consisted of 2039 residents of Karachi who were older than 18 years. A well-composed questionnaire was pilot tested and then used to assess their socio-demographic characteristics, personal attitude towards a healthy lifestyle, dietary habits, and BP screening practices. We used a chi-squared test as the primary statistical test.ResultsOf 2039 people, 1627 had their BP checked at least once in their lifetime. Approximately, half of the participants had their BP checked on a yearly basis. Women had a higher rate (83.6%, n = 989) of getting their BP checked than men (74.5%, n = 636). A significant relationship was observed between BP screening and lifestyle practices such as physical activity (p = 0.00), hours of sleep (p = 0.01), water intake (p = 0.01), and dining out (p = 0.03).ConclusionCurrent BP screening practices are inadequate amongst the urban population of Karachi. There is an urgent need for federal implementation of BP screening as well as awareness programs across the nation.
Highlights
High blood pressure (BP) is one of the leading risk factors for global disease burden, accounting for 17% of all deaths worldwide [1]
A significant relationship was observed between BP screening and lifestyle practices such as physical activity (p = 0.00), hours of sleep (p = 0.01), water intake (p = 0.01), and dining out (p = 0.03)
We found that 74.5% of men and 83.6% of women had their BP checked at least once in their lifetime, with an overall prevalence of BP screening of 79.8%
Summary
High blood pressure (BP) is one of the leading risk factors for global disease burden, accounting for 17% of all deaths worldwide [1]. The approximate number of adults with elevated BP has increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, 258 million of whom were living in South Asian countries [2]. In low- and middle-income countries where health systems are weak, the social predictors of health such as income, education, and housing adversely influence the development of hypertension and without effective intervention, there is a high probability that the rapidly growing burden of hypertension will worsen the global epidemic of cardiovascular and kidney diseases [5,6]. The major bottlenecks for effective hypertension control in middle-income countries are screening and effective titration of treatment [8]. The secondary objective was to identify ways to improve effective BP screening practices among the population at risk
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