[The prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension in Xianghe county of Hebei province].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, awareness, control status and associated risk factors of hypertension in a rural population in Xianghe county in North China.

Methods: A total of 830 adults (aged ≥ 35) from Xianghe county were examined during July to August, 2011. Blood pressure was obtained using a standardized sphygmomanometer after a 5-minute sitting rest. Information on gender, age, education level, marital status, smoking, drinking, income, family history of hypertension and use of antihypertensive medications was obtained.

Results: A total of 42.4% of all subjects had hypertension. Among those with hypertension, the awareness rate was 54.8% and 50.0% of the patients were taking antihypertensive medication with the control rate of 11.9% [BP < 140/90 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa)]. Lower age and education level, lower body mass index, negative family history of hypertension were associated with poor awareness of hypertension and worse compliance with the treatment. Older age, positive family history and alcohol consumption were associated with poor blood pressure control.

Conclusions: Hypertension is highly prevalent in Xianghe rural area. The awareness, treatment and control rate are all low. There is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to improve prevention, screening, and treatment of hypertension in rural China.