Gender-­specific prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among elderly Bangladeshi people: Findings from a nationally representative cross-­sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to estimate the gender-specific prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among elderly people in Bangladesh. Design and method We analysed data from the food security and nutrition surveillance round 2018–2019. The multistage cluster sampling method was used to select the study population. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg and/or having a history of hypertension. We carried out the descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to report the weighted prevalence of hypertension as well as crude and adjusted ORs with 95% CI. A p value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Setting The study was conducted in 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban and 10 slums) in all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Participants A total of 2482 males and 2335 females aged ≥60 years were included in this analysis. Results The weighted prevalence of hypertension was 42% and 56% among males and females, respectively. The prevalence was higher among females across all sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical strata. Factors associated with higher odds of hypertension (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) for males and females, respectively) were age ≥70 years (1.32 (1.09, 1.60) and 1.40 (1.15, 1.71)); insufficient physical activity (1.50 (1.25, 1.81) and 1.38 (1.15, 1.67)); higher waist circumference (2.76 (2.22, 3.43) and 2.20 (1.82, 2.67)); and self-reported diabetes (1.36 (1.02, 1.82) and 1.82 (1.35, 2.45)). Additionally, living in slums decreased (0.71 (0.52, 0.96)) and education >10 years increased odds of hypertension (1.83 (1.38, 2.44)) among males. Conclusion In Bangladesh, half of the elderly persons were hypertensive, with a higher prevalence in females. In both sexes, odds of hypertension was higher among persons with older age (≥70 years), insufficient physical activity, higher waist circumference and self-reported diabetes. The Ministry of Health of Bangladesh should consider these findings while designing and implementing health programmes for elderly population.