Hypertension among attendants of primary health care centers in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present work were to determine the prevalence of hypertension among attendants of primary health care centers in Al-Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Also to investigate sociodemographic associates, and assess awareness among hypertensives.

METHODS: Through cluster sampling 30 primary health care centers were selected. Forty attendants were chosen randomly from each center. A questionnaire inquiring sociodemographic characteristics and awareness was completed by interview with each participant. Using standardized methods the blood pressure, height and weight were measured.

RESULTS: The study sample amounted to 1114 persons, 338 (30%) were hypertensives (blood pressure >140/90), 24% stage 1, 4% stage 2 and 2.5% stage 3. The prevalence increased with age. It was higher in males (33%), single persons (44%), illiterate (33%), merchants (45%) and obese persons (35%). Age above 40 years, illiteracy, overweight and obesity were independently associated with hypertension with statistically significant value. Less than one 4th (23%) of hypertensives were aware of their hypertension.

CONCLUSION: Hypertension is a major public health problem. A routine measurement of blood pressure of all attendants of primary health care centers with periodic examination of those aged more than 40 years particularly overweight and obese persons should be implemented.