Hypertension among 1000 patients with type 2 diabetes attending a national diabetes center in Jordan

In Jordan, there is a paucity of research on hypertension and its risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of hypertension, risk factors, and the level of awareness and control of hypertension among outpatients with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1000 patients with type 2 diabetes who were attending the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrine and Genetic Diseases for follow-up during the period of June to December 2006. Data were collected from medical records and through a structtured interview questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of variables on hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension [BP >130/80 or on medication for high blood pressure] was 72.4% [70.9% of males and 73.9% of females]. The logistic regression indicated that hypertension was positively asssociated with age [P=.001], body mass index [P=.001], and duration of diabetes [P=.001]. About one-half of patients who were aware of having hypertension failed to keep their blood pressure under control. Hypertension is a common co-morbidity among diabetic patients. Despite a high rate of awarenness of hypertension among study subjects [93%], hypertension was not controlled to the recommended levels of blood pressure in about one-half [50.4%] of patients

Epidemiology and management of hypertension among Bedouins in northern Jordan

To estimate the magnitude of hypertension, and its levels of awareness and control of hypertension among a community of Jordanian aborigines in Northern Jordan; and to compare the study findings with findings from other Jordanian communities. A systematic sample of 50% of all households of Qafqafa, Northern Jordan was selected and all members of the selected households were included in the study at Qafqafa Health Center, Qafqafa, Jordan. A structured questionnaire was administered to all study participants and measurement of blood pressure was performed according to a preset criteria. Data on 366 subjects included in the sample were collected during the months of April and May 2002. A total of 40 subjects or 10.9% were suffering from hypertension. Prevalence rate of hypertension was significantly lower than the 16.1% and 16.3% prevalence rates reported from other more modernized Jordanian communities. Logistic regression analysis indicated that hypertension was positively associated with masculinity, age, illiteracy, obesity, and with positive family history of hypertension. No association was detected between hypertension and each of smoking, Diabetes mellitus, and total serum cholesterol. This study showed that one-half [47.5%] of hypertensives were unaware of their diagnosis and more than one-half [57.1%] of those aware of their diagnosis did not achieve control of their hypertension. Population of the study community has significantly lower levels of hypertension than both semi-urban and recently urbanized Jordanian communities, and much of the rise in blood pressure levels is attributed to environmental factors. Moreover, hypertension management programs in Jordan are far below the optimal standards

Hyperlipidemia in Jordan: a community-based survey

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. No data exists in Jordan regarding blood lipid level. To determine the prevalence of high plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels among three Jordanian communities and to identify high risk groups for these two conditions. A community-based survey of a sample of 2,152 persons aged 25 years or more selected from three locations in Jordan. Two blood samples, fasting and two hours after a 75 gm anhydrous glucose orally, were drawn from each participant. Plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, height and weight were measured and a pretested structured questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer. The present report deals exclusively with the distribution of plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The prevalence rates of hypercholesterolemia [HC] and hypertriglyceridemia [HT] were 23% and 23.8% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that age over 40 years, females, obese subjects and diabetic subjects were more likely to have HC. Males, current smokers, obese subjects and diabetic persons were at higher risk of HT. Conclusions: Hypercholesterolemia and HT are highly prevalent in Jordan with a pattern consistent with that of the United States and other developed countries. Dietary habits and lifestyle of the people have to be investigated and may provide an explanation for our findings