Control of hypertension in eastern Saudi Arabia: Results of screening campaign

• Main Authors: Nadira A Al-Baghli, Khalid A Al-Turki, Aqeel J Al-Ghamdi, Ahmad G El-Zubaier, Fadel A Al-Baghli, Nawal H Bohlaiqa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2009-01-01
• Series: Journal of Family and Community Medicine
• Subjects: Blood pressure control; screening campaign; Saudi Arabia.
• Online Access: http://www.jfcmonline.com/article.asp?issn=2230-8229;year=2009;volume=16;issue=1;spage=19;epage=25;aulast=Al-Baghli

Objective: To assess the pattern of follow-up and level of hypertension control according to sociodemographic, and clinical risk factors in the participants of a screening campaign. Research Design and Methods. In 2004, all Saudi residents in the Eastern Province, aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a screening campaign for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension. A structured questionnaire was completed during a face-to-face interview. The presence of hypertension and the place of follow-up were recorded. Blood pressure was measured by trained nurses using a mercury sphygmomanometer, according to the recommendations of The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VII). Results: Thirteen point one percent of the participants had been previously diagnosed as having hypertension. In 34.3% of them, blood pressure was controlled, while 40.8% had combined uncontrolled SBP and DBP, 14.4% had isolated uncontrolled SBP, and 10.5% had isolated uncontrolled DBP. The blood pressure control was inversely associated with age. It was higher in women, singles, the educated, in those with BMI of less than 25 kg/m [2] , and in those with positive history of CVD (p<0.001). Conclusion: Co-morbidities relevant for hypertension are very prevalent, so aggressive BP control is mandatory.