Sālmand (Jun 2024)
Prevalence of Hypertension Complications and the Related Factors Among Older Adults in Semnan, Iran
Abstract
Objectives The most important reason for considering hypertension as a major health problem, especially in older adults, is its severe complications. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hypertension complications and identify the related factors among older adults in Semnan, Iran. Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 older adults with hypertension in Semnan, in January-February 2023. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, whose content validity was confirmed based on the opinion of 10 experts (CVR=0.95 and CVI=0.98) and internal consistency was conmfired using Cronbach's alpha (α=0.895). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) were used to present the data. The statistical difference in hypertension complications based on the demographic and contextual factors was investigated using chi-square test. All the statistical analyses were performed in SPSS software, version 27 and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant Results The mean age of participants was 68.35±5.23 years, ranged 60-94. Participants were 196 men (49%) 204 women (51%). The prevalence of hypertension complications was 26.75% in overall (95% CI: 22.42%-31.08%). Also, the prevalence of heart failure was 14.3% (95% CI:11.13%-17.47%), the prevalence of retinopathy was 7.5% (95% CI:4.92%-10.08%), the prevalence of renal failure was 5.5% (95% CI:3.27%-7.73%), the prevalence of heart attack was 4% (95% CI:2.08%-5.92%), and the prevalence of stroke was 1.5% (95% CI:0.31%-2.65%). Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension complications had a statistical relationship with age, marital status, educational level, time elapsed since the initial diagnosis, interval between the initial diagnosis and the start of treatment, the disease control, no history of receiving the necessary treatment, and receiving financial aid to cover medical expenses (P≤0.05). Conclusion Most of older adults in Semnan suffer from serious complication of hypertension, which is related to several demographic and contextual factors. The results can help managers and policymakers in the health sector in Iran to make correct decisions and develop effective interventions for the hyspetensive elderly.
