Hypertension Prevalence Among People Lifted Out of Poverty in China in 2018-2023: Retrospective Spatiotemporal Analysis

Background Hypertension is a significant global public health concern, with particular concern in China due to its widespread prevalence. The spatial distribution of hypertension varies significantly, revealing important regional disparities that may impact public health strategies and interventions. Objective This study aimed to investigate the temporal trends and spatial distribution characteristics of hypertension prevalence among individuals lifted out of poverty in China, covering the period from 2018 to 2023. Methods We used data from the National Health Poverty Alleviation Dynamic Management System to analyze hypertension prevalence among people lifted out of poverty from 2018 to 2023. Long-term trends were assessed using the Joinpoint regression model. Spatial distribution characteristics were examined through global and local spatial autocorrelation, cluster and outlier analyses, and trend surface analyses. These methods provided insights into the spatial aggregation and variability of hypertension prevalence across different regions. Results From 2018 to 2023, the prevalence of hypertension among people lifted out of poverty in China increased from 2.71% to 7.29%. The highest rates were observed in the northeast, with Jilin Province ranking first for 3 consecutive years (2020‐2023), reaching 27.19% in 2023. Linxi County in Inner Mongolia had prevalence rates exceeding 40% for 5 years (2019‐2023), peaking at 47.99% in 2022. Among the 22 provinces containing poverty-stricken counties, 9 showed significant annual increases, with Guangxi having the highest annual percentage change at 27.9018% (95% CI 7.4095%‐52.3038%). Spatial analysis identified high-high clusters in northern provinces such as Hebei, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia, and low-low clusters in southwestern provinces such as Yunnan and Guizhou. Trend surface analysis revealed a distinct spatial gradient, with the northeast highest and the southwest lowest. Conclusions The study revealed a generally increasing trend in hypertension prevalence among people lifted out of poverty in China from 2018 to 2023. The highest prevalence rates were concentrated in northeastern poverty-alleviated counties, while southwestern counties exhibited the lowest prevalence rates.