Risk factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in a multi-ethnic Asian population.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in a multi-ethnic Asian population.


METHODS
Participants from four previous cross-sectional studies were invited for a repeat examination (2004--2007). Information of demographic details and cardiovascular disease risk factors was obtained using questionnaire, physical examination and blood tests. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multiple logistic regression models.


RESULTS
The final number of respondents was 5022 (response rate 49.7%). Although hypertension treatment (84.4% of those aware of hypertension) was high, awareness (51.8% of those having hypertension) and control (27.1% of hypertension on treatment) were low. Reduced awareness and treatment were associated with being younger, never married, and working adults with a higher education level. Low socioeconomic status individuals were more likely to be treated but had poorer control. A similar relationship was found for treatment and control for individuals with coexisting cardiovascular disease risk factors. The use of multiple drug classes was not associated with better control. Diuretic use for treatment of hypertension, as recommended by local and international guidelines, was not common (15.0% of all hypertension medications used).


CONCLUSIONS
The awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Singapore can be improved. There is a need to improve awareness through education and target screening and treatment in younger, working adults with higher levels of education and higher economic status, as well as Malays. Control of hypertension could be improved among older or diabetic hypertensive individuals.
Wu
Yi
Y
Centre for Molecular Epidemiology, National University of Singapore, Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore.
Tai
E Shyong
ES
Heng
Derrick
D
Tan
Chee Eng
CE
Low
Lip Ping
LP
Lee
Jeannette
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044466:Asian People; D001364:Awareness; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents