Factors associated with hypertension among men in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia: A cross-sectional study

In Mongolia, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, and prevalence of hypertension is very high. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hypertension and sociodemographic factors and health-related behaviors among men in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2015 and January 2016. Men whose wives were pregnant with ≤ 20 weeks gestation and had attended antenatal health checkups at public health facilities were recruited in this study. The data were collected as part of a survey of pregnant women and their partners. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, anthropometry, and spot urine samples. A total of 224 men participated in the survey, and data from 209 participants were included in the analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that men with higher BMI had higher odds of hypertension than those with lower BMI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26). Those with urinary cotinine > 100 ng/ml (smokers) had a lower risk of hypertension (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09-0.67) compared to participants with urinary cotinine/ml (nonsmokers). This is the first study to investigate the association between hypertension and sociodemographic factors and health-related behaviors among men in Mongolia. Based on the findings of this study, clinicians responsible for public health in Mongolia should provide health education regarding the importance of weight control in preventing hypertension.