Key result
Current alcohol consumption is linked to ~6.8-fold higher odds of undiagnosed hypertension in rural adults.
Why the study?
Hypertension is an emerging public health problem in rural communities with limited health infrastructure and low health-seeking behavior, necessitating understanding of factors contributing to undiagnosed hypertension.
Cross-Sectional (n=551)
Odds Ratio: 6.78 (95% CI 2.01–22.85)
Over a quarter of adults in a rural Ethiopian community had undiagnosed hypertension, which was strongly associated with lack of prior screening, high stress, and unhealthy lifestyle factors.
Introduction Hypertension (HTN) is an emerging public health problem in rural communities, which face distinct challenges, including limited health infrastructure and low health‐seeking behavior. This study uses generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) to understand factors contributing to undiagnosed HTN in rural settings. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 551 adults in the Arsi Zone in March 2024. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed using Stata 17, employing GSEM to interpret path coefficients and effect sizes. Mediation analysis was performed to assess indirect effects. Results The study revealed 25.59% (95% CI: 22.11%–29.41%) of participants exhibited undiagnosed HTN. Factors associated with undiagnosed HTN included age (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.06–1.14), much stress (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.56–7.46), unhealthy diet (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.06–3.02), history of alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.06–14.22), current alcohol (AOR = 6.78; 95% CI: 2.01–22.85), absence of a family history of chronic diseases (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.03–5.82), not screened for elevated blood pressure in the past 12 months (AOR = 5.45; 95% CI: 2.01–14.77), personal history of chronic diseases (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.29–9.12), low perceived susceptibility (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.07–7.03), and low perceived severity (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.16–6.66). The impact of age on undiagnosed HTN is 51% mediated by a history of chronic diseases. Furthermore, 84% of the effect of family history on undiagnosed HTN is mediated by perceived susceptibility and severity, and 62% of the relation between much stress and undiagnosed HTN is mediated by current alcohol consumption. Conclusion This study highlights a significant prevalence of undiagnosed HTN. Key risk factors include stress, unhealthy diet, and alcohol consumption, indicating the need to promote healthier lifestyles. Community‐based screening and health education are crucial to addressing undiagnosed HTN and improving public health outcomes.
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Beyene et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Undiagnosed Hypertension (n=551). Current alcohol consumption was evaluated on Undiagnosed hypertension (AOR 6.78, 95% CI 2.01-22.85). Current alcohol consumption (AOR 6.78; 95% CI 2.01-22.85), high stress, and unhealthy diet were significantly associated with a 25.59% prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in rural adults.
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