Prevalence and correlates of diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension in the indigenous Kuna population of Panamá

Abstract

Background To determine the prevalence of hypertension and investigate sociodemographic correlates in an indigenous Kuna community living on the San Blas islands of Panama. Methods Data was collected from adults using a paper-based survey using a cross sectional study design. Blood pressure was measured, and hypertension defined at two cut-points: 130/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg. Individuals with undiagnosed hypertension had a blood pressure measurement that indicated hypertension, however, the individual had not been told by a doctor they had hypertension. Whereas individuals with diagnosed hypertension had been told by a healthcare provider that they had hypertension. Univariate tests compared diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension by sociodemographic categories and logistic regression models tested individual correlates adjusting for all sociodemographic factors. Results Two hundred and eleven adult indigenous Kuna participated in the study. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 6.2% (95%CI:3.32–10.30) as defined by 140/90 mmHg, and 16.6% (95%CI:11.83–22.31) as defined by 130/80 mmHg. Hypertension was significantly higher in men (31.6, 95% CI:19.90–45.24, compared to 11.0, 95% CI:6.56–17.09). Individuals with low income were 3 times more likely to be hypertensive (OR = 3.13, 95% CI:1.02–9.60) and 3.5 times more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension (OR = 3.42, 95% CI:1.01–11.52); while those with moderate income were 6 times more likely to be hypertensive (OR = 7.37, 95% CI:1.76–30.90) compared to those who were poor. Conclusion The prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension is higher in men and those with higher income. Investigating these factors remains vitally important in helping improve the health of the Kuna through targeted interventions to address chronic disease.

Age and gender differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores in adults in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia

“…A higher prevalence of HTN, diagnosed or undiagnosed, among men was also reported by Hanna et al in Panama. 29 These gender differences in HTN prevalence are due to both biological and behavioral factors. 30 Biological factors include sex hormones, chromosomal differences, and other biological gender differences that are protective against HTN.…”

Prevalence and lifestyle-related risk factors of obesity and unrecognized hypertension among bus drivers in Ghana

“…Aside obesity, hypertension has been a major public health concern due to its adverse health events. Several studies have shown that most commercial workers are unaware of their elevated blood pressure and as such suffer from chronic undiagnosed hypertension [41,42]. Early recognition and identification of early risk of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension at the suboptimal health phase [43] will inform the decision for predictive, preventive and personalized medicine [44].…”

Hypertension and undiagnosed hypertension among Bangladeshi adults: Identifying prevalence and associated factors using a nationwide survey

“…Hypertensive heart disease is a long-term condition that worsens with time. Several risk factors, including advancing age, family history, obesity, high salt diets (more than 3 g per day), physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol intake, have strong and independent connections with the onset of hypertension (5)(6)(7). In Bangladesh, roughly 68% of deaths are caused by noncommunicable diseases, with hypertension accounting for 15-20 % (8).…”