Reporting of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors among hypertensive adults in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, 2013

Abstract

Achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of hypertension management. The purpose of this study was to assess US state-level prevalence of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors among those with self-reported hypertension. Using 2013 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based telephone survey, we examined the adherence to 5 healthy lifestyle behaviors related to hypertension management: having a “normal” weight, not smoking, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake, consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity. We estimated age-standardized percentages of each healthy lifestyle behavior overall and by state, as well as prevalence of all 5 healthy lifestyle behaviors. Overall, the prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviors varied widely among those with self-reported hypertension: 20.5% had a normal weight, 82.3% did not smoke, 94.1% reported no or limited alcohol intake, 14.1% consumed the recommended amounts of fruits or vegetables, and 46.6% engaged in the recommended amount of physical activity. Overall, only 1.7% of adults with self-reported hypertension reported all 5 healthy lifestyle behaviors, with significant variation by state. Age-standardized prevalence of individuals reporting all 5 healthy lifestyle behaviors ranged from 0.3% in Louisiana to 3.8% in the District of Columbia. In conclusion, adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors varied among those with hypertension; fewer than 2% reported meeting current recommendations and standards when assessed collectively. Disparities were observed by demographic and descriptive characteristics, including geography.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2017 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

“…Overall, the prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviors varied widely among those with self-reported hypertension: 20.5% had a normal weight, 82.3% did not smoke, 94.1% reported no or limited alcohol intake, 14.1% consumed the recommended amounts of fruits or vegetables, and 46.6% engaged in the recommended amount of PA. 4 …”

Hypertension, overweight/obesity, and diabetes among immigrants in the United States: an analysis of the 2010–2016 National Health Interview Survey

“…Per estimates derived from the 2013 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension is 32.5% [ 16 ], with ethnic minorities disproportionately affected. The overall prevalence of diagnosed hypertension in the 2013 NHIS was 24% [ 17 ]; Asian and White adults reported lower rates of diagnosed hypertension than Blacks.…”

Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Adherence to Lifestyle Modifications Among Hypertensive Patients: An Integrative Review

“…A cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients in Turkey revealed a better medication adherence behavior, such that 78% of patients were reported to adhere to the prescribed anti-hypertensive medication, while the adherence to lifestyle modifications was only 42% [16]. A secondary analysis on an American national survey reported only 1.7% of hypertensive patients followed all five components of lifestyle modifications [17]. Low adherence to lifestyle modifications was highlighted among hypertensive patients, as the use of medication alone was not enough to control BP [9][10][11][12][13].…”