OBJECTIVETo evaluate the epidemiological features and control status of hypertension in rural area of The Three Gorges.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was carried out in rural area of Yiling District, Yichang City, which was located north-west bank of Xiling Gorges in 2007. A standard structure questionnaire was used to collect data on the hypertension history and treatment, social-economic status and life-styles, and so on. Blood pressure was measured by trained observers using standardized mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and/or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg, or current treatment with antihypertensive medications. Hypertension control was defined as blood pressure levels of less than 140/90 mm Hg.

RESULTSA total of 9618 residents aged 35 years and above were included (response rate: 81.3%), and 19.7% residents were the Three Gorges migrants. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 37.3% for all, and 21.3%, 39.8%, 58.0% for aged 35 - 44, 45 - 59, ≥ 60 years, respectively. The age-adjusted rate was higher in men for all (39.1%) and aged 35 - 44 years (27.0%) than in women (36.3% for all and 17.8% for aged 35 - 44 years, P < 0.01). The age-adjusted rate of awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension were lower in men (18.5%, 9.0%, 0.9%, respectively) than in women (23.5%, 13.6%, 2.0%, respectively, all P < 0.01). Among the participants with treated hypertension, the control rate of hypertension was only 17.0%. Prevalence and rate of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were similar between migrants and non-migrants.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of hypertension is high, but the awareness, treatment, control rates were low in rural area of Yiling District. Efforts should be made to reduce the prevalence rate and to improve the control rate of hypertension in this area.