PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND RISK FACTORS IN 47000 POPULATION FROM MULTI-ETHNIC RURAL, PASTORAL AND URBAN XINJIANG CHINA

Abstract

Objective: In China, estimated prevalence of hypertension is up to 41.9%, and the variations in demographic characteristics, cultural behaviors, and lifestyle habits vary substantially in different regions may result in differing disease prevalence in different populations. In remote less developed areas such as Xinjiang, patterns of hypertension may vary. In national sample analysis, it is difficult to perform strictly random proportional sampling, and to acquire a truly representative sample, given the vastness, the size of the population and multi-ethnic background. An accurate estimate of the hypertension prevalence and related risk factors is essential for the proper development of public health strategies by conducting regional studies. Design and method: This is a cross-sectional study. This study, using population-based surveys of adults aged 18 years, was conducted in Xinjiang and the hypertension prevalence and associated risk factors in pastoral, rural and urban residents were compared. Results: 47040 samples, with a response rate of 83.3%, were enrolled. The sex-age standardized hypertension prevalence was 25.4% in rural, 27.2% in pastoral and 28.2% in urban adults. Older age, overweight, obesity, non-agriculture or non- husbandry occupation, lower education, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking were significantly associated with hypertension among pastoral, rural and urban adults. Nonetheless, females within rural setting were associated with higher hypertension prevalence. Kazakh and Mongolian subjects in rural setting were associated with higher risk for hypertension existence, and it was the same for Kazakh subjects in pastoral and urban Xinjiang, compared with Han subjects. The hypertension-associated risk was 1.74 times in urban area, compared with that of rural population. Conclusions: The highest hypertension prevalence is observed in urban Xinjiang. Contributory factors for hypertension show some variations in pastoral, rural and urban settings. Taking into account the variations in the risk factors may provide greater insight into the design of future prevention strategies.