In:
Circulation, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 125, No. suppl_10 ( 2012-03-13)
Abstract:
Introduction: Hypertension in Viet Nam is becoming an increasing source of mortality and morbidity. While data collection on hypertension in resource poor environments has been improving through the use of standardized surveys, little is known about how well treatments are being applied. Knowledge of gaps in diagnosis and treatment is necessary if appropriate public health programs are to developed. Using a community based observational sample in the Da Nang province of Viet Nam, we studied both the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension, as well as the types of treatment those with hypertension received. Methods: Randomized cluster sampling methods were used to identify adults age 35 years and older in six communes of Da Nang province, Viet Nam. Using World Health Organization guidelines, data were collected on subject’s demographics, medical history, blood pressure and health behaviors. Subjects were also instructed to bring all medications they take regularly which were then recorded. Separate multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify both factors associated with awareness of hypertension as well as factors influencing whether one received medical therapy. Results: The initial survey examined 1,621 adults with 557 (34.5%) having hypertension. Of those, only 232 (41.7%) were aware of the diagnosis. Being male (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36–0.75), older (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05 per year) and having a low income (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16 per million dong/month) were each independently associated with being unaware of one’s hypertension. Of those who were aware of their hypertension, 212 (91.4%) had been recommended some behavioral modification (exercise, decreased sodium intake, smoking cessation, or weight loss). Two-thirds (152/229) reported having taken antihypertensives in the past two weeks. Reported use of medication differed by region, 109/150 (72.7%) in urban regions versus 43/79 (54.4%) in rural/mixed-urban regions (p 〈 0.05), but was not associated with any other demographic. Eighty-nine (38.9%) of those aware of their hypertension had adequately controlled blood pressure when evaluated, and this did not differ based on reported medication use. We were able to determine the actual medications used in 91 of the 152 (59.9%). Seven people were on dual therapy, the remainder were on monotherapy. Calcium channel blockers (54, 59.3%) and ACE inhibitors (36, 39.6%) were the most common therapies. Conclusions: Undiagnosed hypertension remains a major health problem in the Da Nang province of Viet Nam. The vast majority of those aware of their hypertension were receiving at least some level of behavioral modification with a smaller, but substantial, majority receiving medications. Screening programs focused on young and poor men may be a rich target for improving hypertension control in Viet Nam.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0009-7322
,
1524-4539
DOI:
10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.AMP043
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1466401-X
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