The aim of this study is to examine the influence of risk factors which include modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors on the likelihood of newly diagnosed hypertension among Malaysians. A cross-sectional population-based survey: The Fourth National Health and Morbidity Survey (2011) was conducted by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia in 2011. The sample included 20,095 participants. This study uses binomial logistic regression techniques to predict the likelihood of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of newly diagnosed hypertension among the individuals. The analysis has been carried out by estimating odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. This study reveals that obese and overweight respondents as well as current drinkers have increased chances of having newly diagnosed hypertension. In contrast to that, only physically inactive respondents exhibit lower odds of newly diagnosed hypertension. Besides that, the significant predictors, which include older respondents, retirees and home makers, as well as lower educated respondents are respectively found to be more likely to have newly diagnosed hypertension. On the other hand, female respondents, urban dwellers, including the Chinese and Indian respondents, the highest income earners and underweight respondents have been found to have statistically significant lower odds of newly diagnosed hypertension. Through the insightful findings and evidence, this research provides a platform for the early detection and prevention of newly diagnosed hypertension. Hence, this study offers a means to monitor and control the increasing prevalence of newly diagnosed hypertension in Malaysia.
Newly diagnosed hypertension ; prevention ; modifiable risk factors ; non-modifiable risk factors