AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in population over 40 years of age who came to the 5 primary health care centers in Erzincan for any reason.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was completed with 1570 people aged 40 and older, who received care at health care centers between January and May 2009. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and blood pressures were measured twice. Participants were considered as hypertensive if their average systolic blood pressure was ≥140 mmHg, or their average diastolic blood pressure was ≥90 mmHg, or if they were taking antihypertensive medication. The awareness, treatment and control status of the individuals were also assessed.
RESULTS: The overall hypertension frequency was 67.0% (69.6% in women and 63% in men). In the study sample, 77.4% of individuals were aware of their hypertension, all were receiving anti-hypertensive drugs, and 33.9% of patients had their blood pressure under control. Among all hypertensive individuals, the percentage of controlled hypertension (HT) was 26.2%. The frequency of hypertension was associated with age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, level of education, the use of salt, and diabetes.
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the frequency of HT was high, and it was inadequately managed in individuals who came to the primary healthcare centers for any reason and received treatment. Many of the individuals were not aware of their illness. Therefore, it becomes very important and necessary to ensure early diagnosis and control of hypertension and to develop strategies to increase awareness.
Key words: Hypertension, Frequency, Awareness, Treatment, Control Article Language: Turkish English
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