Epidemiological Characteristic and Spatial Analysis of the Admission Rate of Hypertension in Zanjan Province, Iran

Abstract

Background & Objective: hypertension is one of the most common global health problems and the leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristic and the spatial-temporal variations of the admission rate of hypertension in Zanjan province, Iran, during 2014-2019. Materials & Methods: Data were obtained from nine health information system (HIS) databases. Univariate chi-square and T-test methods were used to test the hypothesis, and binary logistic regression was used to model the probability of admission due to hypertension. Results: Sixty-eight thousand eight hundred forty-three patients have been hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases in Zanjan province, Iran, and 5931 cases had hypertension. The admission rate of hypertension was 555 cases per 100,000 which were higher in women than in males (755 cases vs. 357) (P<0.001). The highest admission rate of hypertension was detected in the age group over 80 and in Khoramdareh county, Zanjan province, Iran (P<0.001). The probability of admission due to hypertension was increased by aging in all regions, which was higher among women and in the Southeast study area. Conclusion: This study shows the high admission rate of hypertension in Zanjan province, Iran, from 2014-2019. It is a warning to policymakers and local health authorities to increase their efforts to reduce the incidence of hypertension by identifying the principal main risk factors and applying periodic screening programs in high-risk, high areas.