title: Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in six Nicaraguan communities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Describe the prevalence of hypertension.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population based cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six Nicaraguan communities with varying economies.
  
  
  METHODS
  1,355 adults aged 20-60 years who completed both self-reported and quantitative measures of health.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prevalence of hypertension (systolic > or = 140 mm Hg, diastolic > or = 90 mm Hg, or self-reported medical history with diagnosis by a health care professional), uncontrolled hypertension (systolic > or = 140 mm Hg or diastolic > or = 90 mm Hg), diabetes (urinary glucose excretion > or = 100 mg/ dL or self-reported medical history diagnosed by a health care professional), and uncontrolled diabetes (urinary glucose excretion > or =100 mg/dL only).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of hypertension was 22.0% (19.2% in men, 24.2% in women). Blood pressure was controlled in 31.0% of male hypertensives and 55.1% of female hypertensives (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.74-4.69). Older age and higher body mass index were strongly associated with hypertension. Women who completed primary school had a lower risk of hypertension (OR .40; 95% Cl .19-.85) compared to those with no formal education. A history of living in both urban and rural settings was associated with lower prevalence of hypertension (OR .52; 95% CI .34-.79). Diabetes mellitus was found in 1.2% of men and 4.3% of women. Male sex was independently associated with decreased risk of diabetes (OR .31; 95% Cl .11-.86).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At least one cardiovascular risk factor was found in half of this Nicaraguan sample. Cardiovascular risk factors should be the target of educational efforts, screening, and treatment.
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. tl1174@hotmail.com
authors: Timothy S
authors: TS
authors: Laux
authors: Philip J
authors: PJ
authors: Bert
authors: Marvin
authors: M
authors: González
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Unruh
authors: Aurora
authors: A
authors: Aragon
authors: Cecilia Torres
authors: CT
authors: Lacourt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000208:ethnology; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009527:Nicaragua / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult