Determinants of hypertension along the Myanmar-China border: Lifestyle, knowledge and demographic influences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62992/3pgekp15Keywords:
Hypertension, Middle-aged adults and elderly, Kachin stateAbstract
Background: Hypertension is a leading global risk factor for premature mortality and cardiovascular diseases with Myanmar’s prevalence exceeding the global average at 38%. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 68% of deaths in Myanmar posing significant healthcare challenges.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in Kachin State, Myanmar, an area with ethnic diversity and limited healthcare access.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Kachin State, Myanmar involving 527 participants aged ≥40. Participants were selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured interviews using a validated and reliable questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to analyse the data. Factors with a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The baseline characteristics of participants revealed significant gender differences in age, marital status, financial status, occupation, smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity and knowledge of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 22.39% (95% CI: 19.03-26.16) with 22.88% (95% CI: 18.24-2.28) in male and 21.88% (95%CI: 17.21-27.38) in female. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with hypertension. Participants aged 60 years and older (Adjusted Odd ratio (AOR)=2.30, 95% CI: 1.36-3.89), those who consumed fruits and vegetables at least three times per week (AOR=2.11, 95%CI: 1.26-3.52), individuals with low or minimal physical activity (AOR=1.69, 95%CI: 1.02-2.82) and those with poor or moderate knowledge of hypertension (AOR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.11-3.05) were significantly more likely to develop hypertension.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension is notably high among middle-aged and elderly adults along the Myanmar-China border with significant associations identified with age, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and knowledge of hypertension. Public health interventions aimed at improving hypertension awareness, promoting physical activity and addressing dietary habits could help reduce the risk of hypertension in this population.
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