Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in rural China: results from Shandong Province

OBJECTIVESHypertension is an important public health problem in rural China with a rapidly increasing prevalence noted in recent years. This study estimates the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in a rural population in Shandong Province, China. METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Shandong Province, China, in April 2007 using multistage cluster sampling. A total of 16 364 rural residents aged 25 years and more were interviewed and examined. Two blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained using a standardized mercury sphygmomanometer after a 5-min seated rest. Information on history of hypertension was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic BP (SBP) at least 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) at least 90 mmHg, and/or self-reported current use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTSOverall, 43.8% of the population had hypertension. Among hypertensive patients, only 26.2% were aware of their hypertension, 22.2% were currently undergoing antihypertensive treatment, and 3.9% achieved BP control (