Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare hypertension trends in the urban and suburban population, and to examine the use of several self-care behaviors among patients who were aware of their hypertension.MethodsWe examined the data from three cross-sectional adult populations obtained in 2005, 2008, and 2011, in Beijing.ResultsOur analyses indicated that from 2005 to 2011 the standardized rate of hypertension increased from 31.9% to 36.0% (P <0.001) among urban adults, and was relatively stable (40.8% -40.2%) among suburban adults (P = 0.02). About 10% of the patients reported having taken measures to control their weight for hypertension management. As compared to the other patients, the female patients in the urban areas reported the highest rate of regular BP measurement (52.6%). In addition, the patients who reported taking medication regularly increased among the males and females. Most of the women reported nonsmoking (≥95%) and alcohol abstinence (≥90%). The trend of nonsmoking decreased among the urban males. In contrast, the prevalence of nonsmoking increased among the suburban males, though the trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.055). Further, the patient-reported alcohol abstinence was found to exhibit a decreasing trend among the males.ConclusionsWe observed an increase in the hypertension prevalence from 2005 to 2011. The rates remained higher for suburban adults than for urban adults. Females generally had better self-care ability as compared to male patients. Further research is needed to promote self-care behaviors in hypertensive patients, especially for male patients.
Highlights
Hypertension has been one of the most important public health challenges in the world
Our analyses indicated that from 2005 to 2011 the standardized rate of hypertension increased from 31.9% to 36.0% (P
As compared to the other patients, the female patients in the urban areas reported the highest rate of regular blood pressure (BP) measurement (52.6%)
Summary
Hypertension has been one of the most important public health challenges in the world. Evidence from recent systematic reviews and original reports indicated an increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension in China [3,4,5,6]. There has been substantial research on the prevalence of hypertension, only a few large representative studies have compared the trends of hypertension between the urban and suburban, or rural population [4,5,6]. One approach that may improve blood pressure (BP) control and be feasible for the socioeconomically disadvantaged patients is patients’ involvement in their own care. Self-care behaviors have been documented as one of the main determinants of hypertension control [7]. More effort has been made to improve patients’ overall self-care [8,9]. It is vital to understand how Chinese patients manage hypertension through self-care behaviors because it can provide information for developing policies on support for self-care, suggest what practical actions can be taken, and provide ideas on how to support self-care
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
