The determinants of hypertension awareness, treatment and control in a Venezuelan city

With the aim of assessing the rates and determinants of hypertension awareness, treatment and control in Barquisimeto, the largest midwest Venezuelan city, this study was carried out in home interviews with determination of blood pressure levels (n = 15,000). Hypertension rate was found in 23.58% of the population aged 20 years and over. Awareness of the disease, treatment, and control rates were 66.54, 60.23 (among those aware), and 36.00% (among those treated), respectively According to logistic regression models, positive correlates of hypertension awareness included age (OR = 1.27 for each 10-year increase), other associated diseases (diabetes, OR = 2.17; dyslipidemias, OR = 6.67) and family history of high blood pressure (OR = 2.44). On the other hand, negative correlates were male sex (OR = 0.16), smoking (OR = 0.67) and excessive alcohol intake (OR = 0.58). Predictors of receiving hypertension treatment were as follows: age (OR = 1.72 for each 10-year increase); education level < 8 years (OR = 0.63); dyslipidemias (OR = 4.67); obesity (OR = 2.00); a Family history of high blood pressure (OR = 1.67); smoking (OR = 0.51) and the time elapsed since diagnostic (< 8 years vs. greater than or equal to 8 years, OR = 0.47). Factors related to hypertension control were male sex (OR = 0.41); age (OR = 0.88 for 10-year increase); diabetes (OR = 0.41); obesity (OR = 0.54); time elapsed since diagnostic (< 8 years vs. greater than or equal to 8 years, OR = 1.79) and the use of monotherapy (OR = 1.78). In conclusion, in this study the rates of hypertension awareness, treatment and control were low, which indicates the necessity of improving national efforts on detecting and treating hypertension.