A16358 Hypertension detection, treatment and control rates in urban slum population in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objectives. Rapid unplanned urbanization is leading to inadequate health care service for non-communicable disease management for poor living in slums. This study aims to obtain information on hypertension prevalence, its detection, treatment and control rates in an urban poor population of Bangladesh.

Methods. A cross-sectional study among residents aged 18–64 years in an urban poor community in Dhaka was conducted in 2016. Stratified random sampling was applied to select equal number of men and women from the selected slum. A modified WHO STEPS questionnaire was used for acquiring information on behavioral risk factors. Blood pressure was measured by automated BP machines. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressures (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP)≥90 mmHg or on antihypertensive drug. Hypertension detection, treatment and control (SBP < 140 and DBP < 90 mmHg) rates were calculated.

Results. A total of 2009 subjects (1008 men and 1001 women) participated in the survey with complete physical measurements. The survey detected that overall 20.3% had hypertension (18.6% men and 20.6% women). 47.7% men and 11.7% women stated that they have never had their blood pressure measured in the past. Among those who had BP measured in the past, 15.9% were told that they have hypertension. 52.8% of the hypertensive detected during the survey were not detected earlier by any physician or health care worker. 54.8% of known hypertensive were taking antihypertensive medication while 43.6% known hypertensive had their blood pressure controlled.

Conclusion. The study revealed that large proportion of hypertensive in urban community are undetected while treatment and control rate are also low.