Association Between Age, Body Mass Index, and Hypertension Among Adults in Maysan Governorate, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition globally and poses a significant public health burden in relation to cardiovascular diseases, stroke and renal diseases. Identification of the disease at an early stage and associated risk factors are necessary for successful prevention and control. Aim: To evaluate selected demographic and clinical features of adult subjects and to assess the relationship between selected risk factors and hypertension history. Materials and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 160 adult subjects. A structured questionnaire on demographic features, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, history of hypertension, and use of antihypertensive drugs, was administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square testing and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The study population consisted of 160 subjects (n=80 hypertensive patients and n=80 normotensive controls). And 46.2% of those with hypertension were obese, 33.8% were overweight. Based on ACC/AHA categorization, 48.75% were in Stage 1 HTN and 42.5% in Stage 2 HTN. The hypertensive group also had significantly greater systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and body weight than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings, this clearly demonstrates that hypertension remains a significant public health issue, associated with several demographic and behavioral characteristics . Promoting healthy lifestyle, blood pressure screening, and early treatment intervention may help alleviate the hypertension load in the society.