Health risk behaviours, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among rural community people in Thailand

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess health risk behaviours, prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and associated factors among Thai rural community people. 527 people, aged 35-60 years, were randomly sampled and interviewed. Two blood pressure (BP) measurements were assessed by standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as a mean systolic BP > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic BP > or = 90 mmHg. 76.9% lacked regular exercise, 28.5% were current alcohol drinkers, and 23.7% were current smokers. The prevalence of hypertension was 17.8%. Among the hypertensive cases, 64.9% (61/94) were aware of their high BP, 42.6% (26/61) were treated, and 42.3% (11/26) achieved BP control (< 140/ 90 mmHg). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated four variables significantly associated with hypertension: age > 40 years (adjusted OR = 4.20, 95% CI 1.93-9.11), married status (adjusted OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.89), family history of hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.40-4.07), and BMI > 23.0 kg/m2 (adjusted OR = 3.41, 95% CI 1.80-6.45). Lifestyle modification programs are needed to prevent hypertension.