Prevalence of Hypertension in Iranian Urban and Rural Populations Aged over 20 years in 2004

Background and

Several studies have shown differences in HTN prevalence between urban and rural populations. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of HTN and the status of HTN awareness, treatment and control between Iranian urban and rural populations aged over 20 years.

As a part of a nation-wide survey in 2004 on risk factors of non-communicable diseases, a cross-sectional study was performed on 75.132 adults aged over 20 years. In all participants, blood pressure was measured for twice in a standard method, followed by a collection of data on patients’ awareness, treatment and control of HTN. The data were compared between urban and rural populations.

The crude prevalences of HTN were 30.5% (CI 95%: 30.496- 30.50), 29.2% (CI 95%: 29.19-29.21), and age-adjusted prevalences were 26.09% (CI 95%: 26.086-26.094) and 26.03% (CI 95%: 26.015-26.025) for urban and rural populations, respectively. Rural residents were significantly less aware of HTN, its treatment and control than urban people.

Considering the similarity of age-adjusted HTN prevalence between Iranian rural and urban communities, there is the same burden on our health system. With respect to the lower degree of HTN awareness and control in rural residents, and the integral role of rural health system in diminishing the mentioned difference, further developments are recommended for system.