Metrics details. The prevalence of hypertension is rising worldwide with an estimated one billion people now affected globally and is of near epidemic proportions in many parts of South Asia. Recent turmoil has until recently precluded estimates in Afghanistan so we sought, therefore, to establish both prevalence predictors in our population. Additional data on socioeconomic and lifestyle factors were collected as well as an estimate of glycaemic control.
Bivariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken to explore the association between hypertension and potential predictors.
The prevalence of hypertension was The consumption of chicken and fruit more than three times per week were protective with ORs respectively of 0. Hypertension is a major public health problem in Afghan adults.
We have identified a number of predictors which have potential for guiding interventions. High blood pressure is at epidemic levels globally. An estimated 1 billion people are affected [ 1 β 3 ] with particularly high prevalence in parts of South Asia thought to be a result of a combination of genetic susceptibility and lifestyle transition [ 4 , 5 ].
Predictors of hypertension in High Income Countries HIC include family history, age, race, obesity, physical inactivity, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, excessive salt intake and excessive alcohol intake [ 2 , 3 ]. In Afghanistan, due to years of conflict, it has been impossible to make any robust estimates of non-communicable disease prevalence. There is, however, no reason to believe that Afghans are less susceptible to non-communicable disease and estimates are therefore urgently required.
