Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in the adult population in Yangon Division, Myanmar.

A study was performed among 4616 people aged 20 years and above in Yangon Division in 2003 to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors. The prevalence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or use of antihypertensive drugs) was 33.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32.1%-35.6%). The prevalence of prehypertension (systolic blood pressure = 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure = 80 to 89 mm Hg) was 29% (95% CI = 27.2%-30.8%). The multiple logistic regression showed that age, low physical activity, high intake of alcohol, obesity, high level of total cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus were associated with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 53% were aware of their hypertension, and 32% were currently taking antihypertensive medication, but only 11% had their hypertension controlled. The study highlights the low level of control despite the high level of hypertension prevalence in Yangon Division.