Prevalence of hypertension without anti-hypertensive medications and its association with social demographic characteristics among 40 years and above adult population in Indonesia.

Aim: To find out the prevalence of hypertension without anti-hypertensive medication and its social demographic risk factors among adult population in Indonesia.

Methods: Random samples of 3080 subjects aged 40-94 years were obtained from various districts in every big island in Indonesia. Blood pressure measurements, as well as assessment on history of hypertension, use of anti-hypertensive medications, and social demographic characteristics were performed. Blood pressure measurements were obtained by trained doctors with the subjects in supine position. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to determine variables which were most associated with treatment without anti-hypertensive medication in hypertensive subjects.

Results: The prevalence of hypertension without anti-hypertensive medication among 40 years and above adult population in Indonesia was 37.32% (677 our of 1814 hypertensive subjects). From bivariate analysis, we found that male sex, older age, informal education and unemployment were associated with the use of anti-hypertensive medication. Multivariate analysis shows that male sex (OR=1.33), education level of elementary school (OR=1.50), and government employment (OR=1.24) are significantly as risk factors for not taking anti-hypertensive medication. Age more than 60 years old (OR=0.49) and unemployment (OR=0.70) are protective factors for not taking anti-hypertensive medication.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension without anti-hypertensive medication in this study is higher than the prevalence found in some other studies, and due to several social demographic risk factors, such as low level education, male sex, and being government employees. On the other hand, older people and those who have no formal occupation are protective factors.