Association between Undiagnosed Hypertension and Health Factors among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Population

Abstract

Undiagnosed hypertension has resulted in significant health and economic burdens. This study sought to investigate the association between health factors and undiagnosed hypertension among hypertensive Chinese and to assess the urban-rural disparity. A total of 6455 diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertensive adults were included. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between health factors and undiagnosed hypertension. The urban–rural disparity was investigated through stratified analysis. Undiagnosed hypertension was prevalent (28.8%), and rural residents were more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension compared to their urban counterparts (30.1% versus 24.7%). Physical examination, healthcare service utilization, body mass index, chronic diseases, headache, and self-rated health status were found to be significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. In addition, healthcare service utilization, underweight in body mass index, headache, and self-rating health status were associated with undiagnosed hypertension among the rural sample but not in the urban sample. Undiagnosed hypertension was significantly related to health factors among hypertensive Chinese. The findings provided implications for future hypertension prevention programs. The use of physical examination (e.g., blood pressure measurements) is recommended; special attention may be given to those who are underweight and self-rate their health as good and fair, as they are more likely to be neglected.