Epidemiology of prehypertension and hypertension among Egyptian adults

We aimed to describe the prevalence and predictors of prehypertension and hypertension in the Egyptian adult population aged 25 and above. We also described the rates and predictors of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. Data on 6671 individuals from the 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey [EDHS 2008] were used. Prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension by selected variables was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to elicit modifiable risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension, and the population attributable fractions [PAF] for these risk factors were calculated. The prevalence and predictors of awareness, treatment and control for hypertensives were calculated. The overall prevalence rate of prehypertension and hypertension in Egypt were 57.2% and 17.6% respectively. Only 25.2% of the population had normal blood pressure levels of <120/80 mmHg. The highest prevalences of hypertension were found in Ismailia, Alexandria, Menya, Menoufia and Luxor governorates. The prevalence of hypertension among males and females was similar; however, females had a lower prevalence of prehypertension, and a higher prevalence of normal blood pressure, than males. Overweight and obesity were the most important modifiable risk factors of prehypertension and hypertension, accounting for 25% and 56% of the PAF, respectively. The rates of awareness, treatment and control were 54.2%, 43.4% and 21.3% respectively. The most important predictors of awareness were female sex, increasing age, high wealth, and private insurance coverage. No other predictors of treatment and control were found. Mass health education programs should be urgently implemented to encourage the Egyptian population to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent hypertension and prehypertension, and to control hypertension. Screening and clinical guidelines should be implemented to improve awareness, treatment and control rates among hypertensives

epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in Egypt: results of a national survey

It is estimated that by the year 2030, Egypt will have at least 8.6 million adults with diabetes. Little data is available on the epidemiology of diabetes in Egypt. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of known diabetes in the adult Egyptian population above the age of 20 years. Data from the 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey [EDHS 2008] were used for this study. Prevalence of diabetes for selected socio-demographic variables was calculated by gender. Prevalence of comorbid conditions, and risk factors for complications of diabetes, were estimated by gender. Health care utilization among diabetics was estimated. The crude prevalence rate of known diabetes in Egypt in 2008 was 4.07% [0.25]. It increased with age, to reach 19.8% among females aged SO-S9. Only 18% of males, and 7.8% of females, had a normal body mass index. 37.S% of male diabetics smoked. The prevalence of hypertension among diabetics was 7S% for males, and 66.9% for females; of these, only 2% of males, and 14.3% of females, were controlled to < 130/80 mmHg. 13.3% of males had a history of myocardial infarction or stroke. 44.9% of males, and 80.4% of females, had no insurance coverage. More than half of diabetics visited a private physician at their last visit. 9.3% of males, and 3.8% of females, had been hospitalized in the past year. Diabetes is highly prevalent among older persons in Egypt. Public health policy should educate the public on the risk factors for diabetes, and should implement guidelines for adequate control of this disease