Prevalence of hypertension and risk factors in the mid and west rural areas of Shandong Province

Objectives:This study estimates the prevalence of hypertension and related risk factors in a rural population from Shandong Province.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2007 using multistage cluster sampling.A total of 16 364 rural residents aged 25 years and greater were interviewed and examined.Results:Overall,the adjusted hypertension prevalence of this rural population was 37.2% with higher prevalence among men than among women.The percentages with stages 1,2 and 3 hypertension were respectively 24.4%,11.9% and 5.8%.The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension was 14.4% with higher prevalence among women than men.Men and women had same risk factors of hypertension,such as age,marital status,educational level,family history of hypertension,overweight,obesity and smoking.Conclusion:In the study population,the prevalence of hypertension is high.There is an urgent need for comprehensive integrated strategies to improve preventing,detection and treatment of hypertension in rural areas in Shandong Province.