What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Hypertension (n=12904). Primary outcome: Age-standardized prevalence of hypertension (95% CI 25.5-26.9).

What does this research mean for the field?

The overall age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in Bangladeshi adults is 26.2%, accompanied by critically low rates of condition awareness (36.7%), treatment (31.1%), and control (12.7%). Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

September 7, 2021Open Access

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Bangladesh: Findings from National Demographic and Health Survey, 2017–2018

Key Result

The overall age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in Bangladeshi adults was 26.2% (95% CI, 25.5-26.9), with low rates of awareness (36.7%), treatment (31.1%), and control (12.7%).

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=12,904)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Population

12,904 adults aged 18-95 years from the nationally representative 2017-2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey

Outcome

Age-standardised prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension

Hypertension is highly prevalent in Bangladeshi adults (26.2%), with alarmingly low rates of awareness, treatment, and control, highlighting an urgent need for targeted public health interventions.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to estimate the age-standardised prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and to identify their risk factors in Bangladeshi adults. Data from 12 904 adults aged 18-95 years, available from the most recent nationally representative 2017-2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey were used. Hypertension was defined as having systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, and/or taking anti-hypertensive drugs to control blood pressure. Age-standardized prevalence of hypertension and management were estimated with direct standardisation. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model with a robust variance was used to identify risk factors associated with hypertension and its awareness, treatment, and control. The overall age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 26.2% (95% CI, 25.5-26.9); (men: 23.5%, women: 28.9%). Among those with hypertension (n = 3531), 36.7% were aware that they had the condition, and only 31.1% received anti-hypertensive medication. The prevalence of controlled hypertension was 12.7% among those with hypertension and 43.6% among those treated for hypertension (n = 1306). Factors independently associated with hypertension were increasing age, higher body mass index, being women, having diabetes, and residing in selected administrative divisions. A declining trend of hypertension control was observed with increasing age and low education. Hypertension is highly prevalent (one in four) in Bangladeshi adults, while awareness, treatment, and control are low. Irrespective of the risks associated with hypertension and its management, programs to increase its awareness, treatment, and control should be given high priority in reducing hypertension prevalence and improving hypertension control in Bangladesh.