Gender and Age Differences in Hypertension Screening and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Kazakhstan

Purpose: Hypertension remains a major public health challenge with low awareness and control rates. This study aims to assess its prevalence among rural residents in Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2025 among adults in the Enbekshikazakh district using a validated questionnaire adapted from the May Measurement Month survey. Data on demographics, risk factors, and clinical indicators were collected. Statistical analyzes included Chi-square and t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 1200 participants (550 males, 650 females), significant gender differences were observed across behavioral and clinical factors. Males reported higher rates of smoking, e-cigarette and alcohol use, and caffeine intake (p=0.001), while females were more engaged in healthcare and preventive medication use. Hypertension diagnosis and treatment were more frequent among females, but males showed higher measured blood pressure values (p<0.001). Although BMI and anthropometric measures were similar, abdominal obesity was more prevalent in females (73.0% vs 40.4%, p=0.001). These findings indicate distinct gender patterns in lifestyle behaviors, cardiovascular risk factors, and health service utilization within the study population. Conclusion: Males exhibited higher cardiovascular risk behaviors and blood pressure, while females showed greater healthcare engagement and abdominal obesity, highlighting the need for gender-specific strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.