# Twenty years population-based trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Geneva, Switzerland

## TL;DR

This study tracks 20 years of hypertension trends in Geneva, showing reduced prevalence and better control, especially among lower-income groups, but highlights ongoing disparities.

## Contribution

The study provides a long-term, population-based analysis of hypertension trends in a specific region, revealing socioeconomic patterns and the limited impact of regular doctor visits on awareness.

## Key findings

- Hypertension prevalence decreased from 39.4% to 35.1% over 20 years.
- Individuals with primary education and low income saw the largest reductions in hypertension.
- Regular doctor visits were not associated with increased hypertension awareness.

## Abstract

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and affects about 1.3 billion adults worldwide. Despite interventions, awareness and control remain suboptimal and might have worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This population-based study examines 20-year trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in Geneva, Switzerland (2005–2023).

This is a year-trends population-based study (Bus Sante) ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland. Data collected in this study were between 2005 and 2023. Hypertension trends and prevalence were stratified by sex, age, education, and income. Multivariable regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and health factors identified determinants of outcomes.

Overall, 11,278 individuals participated. Hypertension prevalence decreased from 38.9 % to 35.2 %, with greater reductions in individuals with primary education (−6.1 %) and low income (−6.1 %). Awareness remained stable with time. Uncontrolled hypertension decreased (44.9 % to 42.2 %, p = 0.01), with improvements in lower socioeconomic groups, and individuals with diabetes. Older women were more likely to have untreated (+16.1 %) and uncontrolled hypertension, while younger men exhibited higher unawareness rates (57.7 %). Having a doctor visit in the past 12 months was not associated with increased awareness.

Hypertension prevalence and control improved overall, with reduced socioeconomic disparities. However, some groups remain at risk and primary care is essential for better screening, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension.

•Hypertension prevalence decreased from 39.4 % to 35.1 %.•The greatest reductions were in individuals with primary education and low income.•Regular doctor visits did not lead to increased awareness of hypertension.

Hypertension prevalence decreased from 39.4 % to 35.1 %.

The greatest reductions were in individuals with primary education and low income.

Regular doctor visits did not lead to increased awareness of hypertension.