The prevalence, predictors and associations of hypertension in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional population based national survey

Abstract

We studied the community prevalence, patterns and predictors of hypertension in a large sub-population of South Asian adults with a view of identifying differential risk factors. Data were collected between years 2005–2006 and 5000 adults were invited for the study. The sample size was 4485, and about 39.5% were males. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 127.1 ± 19.8 mmHg and 75.4 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively. Age-adjusted prevalence in all adults, males and females was 23.7%, 23.4% and 23.8%, respectively. Urban adults had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension than rural adults. In the binary logistic–regression analysis, male gender (OR: 1.2), increasing age, Sri Lankan Moor ethnicity (OR: 1.6), physical inactivity (OR: 1.7), presence of diabetes (OR: 2.2) and central obesity (OR: 2.3) all were significantly associated with hypertension. In conclusion, nearly one-third of the Sri Lankan adult population is hypertensive. Hence, public health initiatives should encourage healthier lifestyles with emphasis on preventing obesity and increasing physical activity.

• Adults
• blood pressure
• hypertension
• prevalence
• Sri Lanka

Acknowledgements

The National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka was the primary source of funding for the study. The additional support provided from the Oxford Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, UK, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Programme is gratefully acknowledged.